Located in Takapau, Hawkes Bay,
Junction Wines is a producer of fine
New Zealand Wines.
In 1994 the Ashworth family planted the first of their grapes on stony gravels of the Takapau plains and have progressively planted productive varietals of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Syrah and Flora since, with the vineyard, today producing award-winning, intense, aromatic wines.
Our farming has always been hand-harvested, sustainable, and directed towards producing the best quality fruit.
The Junction Wines vineyard and Cellar door reflects John Ashworth, former All Black’s (1977-1986) passion for Pinot Noir, and his oldest son Leith, natural flare and talent for winemaking and together they have established an integrated winemaking operation.
Located at the junction of State Highway 2 and 50, Junction Wines is the southernmost stop on the Hawke's Bay wine trail.
The Vineyard is incorporated in the family sheep and beef operation, where the new season lambs are used for pasture management throughout the vines, as well as leaf plucking through January and February.
The by-product of the grapes once processed are also feed to in-lamb ewes, nothing goes to waste at Junction Wines.
The cellar door is located in the working home of John and Jo Ashworth, who share their knowledge and passion at each wine tasting. The setting is uniquely rural, and show cases Junctions Wines ethos of family, love and the drive to create premium New Zealand meat and wine.
John Ashworth
John played 24 tests in the front row for the All Blacks. John played from 1977 through till his final tour with the famous 1986 New Zealand Cavaliers, retiring one year before the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
John's passion for wine was born during an All Black tour to France where he was given a Pinot Noir which he describes as having “gone to his toes”.
In 1985 John and his wife Jo sold their farm in Canterbury to move north to Hawke's Bay. While looking for a new farm, John had had his eye out for a suitable spot to grow grapes.
Now he's showing they picked a winner when buying their Central Hawke's Bay property in 1986.
The rugby and wine journey for John is referenced throughout Junction Wines with wine names like Possession Pinot Noir, Free Run Sauvignon Blanc, Side Line and the Red Card range.
Leith Ashworth
Leith is the oldest Ashworth son and Junction’s Winemaker.
He studied Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University graduating in 2004.
With over 15 years’ experience he is a well-known figure in the Hawkes Bay wine industry working and managing wine-making operations in several Hawkes Bay wineries, along the way indulging in travelling, playing rugby and making wine in France and the USA.
He was a Finalist for NZ Young Winemaker of the Year in 2009.
Working closely with the grapes on the Takapau plains through to the bottle Leith’s enjoying the quest with his father to produce the perfect Pinot Noir, whilst spending time with his young family teaching them a love of the land and what it can produce.
