Gladstone Vineyards, New Zealand

Tom Cannavan, 02/07

One day I will write an article (or who knows, maybe even a book?) on famous Scottish winemakers. OK, I can hear the sniggering now, but in fact there are some excellent Scottish winemakers spread throughout the world of wine, many of them individuals who have followed a passion and dream, others who have found themselves living in a winemaking country, and have made a move into the profession.

Amongst the list I have so far is a small group of Scottish women winemakers including Pamela Geddes in Spain and Jane Wilson in Australia. And now I have a new name to add to that list: Christine Kernohan of Gladstone Vineyards in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand's North Island. Christine's range called '12,000 Miles' is named in honour of the journey she has made, both physically and emotionally, from her Glasgow roots to the other side of the world. Christine and her husband David Kernohan emigrated from Scotland 30 years ago, and took over Gladstone in 1996. Christine is winemaker and MD, whilst David runs helps within the limits of also running his Architectural practice.

Gladstone farms around 35 acres of vines, which are run on accredited 'sustainable agriculture' principles, and a new winery was built in 2005, complete with guest apartment accommodation. Christine sent me this set of wines from the 12,000 miles range to try for myself.

white wines

red wine

Gladstone Vineyards' wines are available in the UK from Lea & Sandeman and from James Nicholson in the UK and Ireland. The 12000 Miles range is not yet in the UK, but it is distributed internationally by Rubicon Reserve.