Located in the centre of Waiheke Island on an elevated site with expansive views west across the Hauraki Gulf towards Auckland City, the vineyard is bordered by lush native bush and rolling pastoral land. It is also home to a large colony of 'wild' peacocks whose exotic calls are a distinct feature of the spectacular site.

Owners Sally and Jon Ewer first established the vineyard in 1999 and the first vintage will be bottled in 2002. With many years of commercial fruit-growing experience in Hawkes Bay - and a seriously impressive background as red wine connoisseurs - the pair have committed themselves to producing the very best Bordeaux-style wine for which New Zealand - and particularly Waiheke Island - are famous.

Peacock Ridge is unusual in that almost all viticultural work is carried out either by Jon or Sally. As a result, each of the 6,500 plants has an intimate relationship with the owners and much care is lavished on them! Use of horticultural sprays is minimal, which reflects the practical sustainability philosophy of the owners.
Excitement is growing with the third vintage in the barrels - indications are that the harvest from this boutique vineyard will reflect the attention to detail and pursuit of excellence strategy being adopted and produce some exceptional premium wines.

In the words of prestigious wine connoisseur and author Michael Cooper the Peacock Ridge Reserve Merlot is 'A highly impressive debut, the 2002 vintage (4 ½ stars out of 5) was grown at Onetangi, Waiheke Island, and matured for a year in French and American oak casks. It's a dark, warm and concentrated wine with rich, brambly, spicy flavours, a hint of dark chocolate, good complexity and a firmly structured finish. It's built to last; open 2005+' (Michael Cooper's Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines 2004)