The first vineyards were planted on Waiheke Island in 1978 and quickly demonstrated the climatic advantages of the island and the potential for producing world class wines, particularly Bordeaux-style reds. More recently, outstanding success has been achieved with Syrah vines sourced from the upper Rhone valley. The drier climate and even maritime temperatures of Waiheke Island clearly benefit this variety and Trophy winning wines are already being produced from very young vines.

Chris Canning and Bryan Mogridge chose Syrah clones sourced from the Hermitage region - predominantly from the highly prized vineyards of the Chave family - when establishing their 12-acre single variety vineyard in the Onetangi Valley. Chris was an early pioneer of premium varietals in New Zealand, planting Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay in 1976. Bryan led New Zealand's largest producer, Montana Wines, to its position of pre-eminence in the 1980's and 1990's and was a long-serving chairman of the NZ Wine Institute.

The Hay Paddock vineyard is managed under a low-cropping regime that involves intensive canopy management. Vinification includes small-batch blending and extended oak aging with the aim of producing elegant, intensely flavoured wines. Vintage years will only be declared when the season and fruit quality reach the required standards, with the first vintage scheduled for 2006.