Peter And Yvonne Steers came from the U.K. to Hawkes Bay New Zealand in 2002. With a background in the restaurant business and a passion for fine wines they began to explore the possibilities of developing a vineyard that could produce quality grapes for fine wines.
Two years later the dream became a reality after Yvonne’s parents, Peter and Gwen Bell, came to New Zealand for a holiday. They loved what they saw and did not need much encouragement to sell up their interests in the U.K and make a home in Hawkes Bay.
They immigrated to New Zealand in 2005, purchased a house and vineyard in Maraekakaho, west of Hastings Hawkes Bay, which overlooks the Ngaruroro River.
The whole property is set on 8.9 Hectares, and the Boutique-vineyard, 1/3 Merlot – 2/3 Syrah occupies one hectare.
This gave the family the opportunity to develop an existing plan. To produce award winning beautiful red wines from the steeply terraced vineyard now call Highrock's. After hours of discussion involving budgets and vineyard management, a working plan was made.
But first the vineyard needed attention. (It was found to be in need of nutrients, fertilizers, and 250 replacement vines. Having no working knowledge of Viticulture Peter Steers enrolled in a course of Grape growing and Wine making at E.I.T Taradale.
At the end of the course expert help was sought to advise on shaping the vineyard from Professional Viticulturist Anna-Barbara Helliwell of Unison Vineyard on the Gimlet Gravels. The vineyard is a family run and worked business.