Great Wine Capitals: Hawke’s Bay Wine Families

Gordon Russell, a trailblazer in Hawke’s Bay’s wine industry, has left an indelible mark through his 32-year tenure at Esk Valley, where he pioneered New Zealand’s first Malbec, Verdelho, Merlot Rosé, and the now-iconic Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet blend. Now leading Gordon Russell Wines, a tourism and consulting venture, he continues to shape the region’s viticultural landscape. His commitment to quality—emphasising minimal intervention, premium fruit, and respect for the winemaking process—has become a hallmark of his legacy, inspiring the next generation, including his daughter, Holly Girven Russell.

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