It all began one day in February 1988, a day that was to shape the rest of my life.  Little could I have realised that the decision to head out to West Auckland to visit each of the wineries in what was still a burgeoning wine region, would give my life purpose and a career that would span over three decades.

With little to show for a career, other than stealthily posting band promo posters around Auckland, I had an epiphany. On a whim, armed with a love of wine I headed out on my trusty Suzuki to each of the West Auckland wineries I could reach from my home in central Auckland. At each I asked to meet the winemaker, and brashly asked if they had a cellar job. Little could I have imagined what was to follow, as a week or two later I was offered a vintage role at was then Bellamour Winery.

From an enthusiastic freshman with little to offer other than the aforementioned love of wine and a good work ethic, my journey ended only recently with my retirement from my role as Esk Valley Winemaker. This role I had held since 1993 had offered unimaginable opportunities. With the support and ownership of Sir George Fistonich and Villa Maria, I was able to add my own chapter to Hawkes Bay and New Zealand wine.

It was under my guidance at Esk Valley that we released New Zealand’s first Malbec, Verdelho, Merlot Rose, as well as being the first to offer the now ubiquitous Merlot, Malbec, Cabernets blend. Esk Valley also had considerable success in New Zealand and International Wine Shows. A full trophy cabinet was testament to the quality of wines we produced, and of particular satisfaction, was being honoured as New Zealand Winemaker of the Year 2007 at the oldest of all New Zealand Wine Shows, the Royal Easter Show.

Almost forty years on from my exploratory venture out to West Auckland and post my retirement as Winemaker at Esk Valley, it's time for the next chapter. Gordon Russell Wine is that project. An opportunity for me to share my knowledge and love of Hawke's Bay and its wines with fellow enthusiasts.

Over a 30 year career as Winemaker at Esk Valley Estate, Gordon established himself as one of New Zealand’s eminent winemaking personalities. With a lifetime of winemaking behind him he is the perfect sidekick for your Hawke's Bay adventure.