ALPHA DOMUS WINERY HISTORY

Our parents Anthonius (Ton) and Leonarda (Lea) emigrated from Holland in the early 1960’s. Soon afterwards they established Awapuni Nurseries, just outside Palmerston North, specialising in vegetable and flower seedlings for the home gardener. In time sons Paul, Henri and Anthony worked with their parents to grow Awapuni to the well established and successful company it is today.

 

In the 1980’s the family decided that the time was right to diversify. Our passion for horticulture and love of fine wine led us to the conclusion that viticulture and winemaking would satisfy both. In 1989 we purchased 50 acres (20 hectares) of land in Maraekakaho Road on the western Heretaunga Plains in Hawke’s Bay. The district had not yet been seriously developed for viticulture, but we were convinced that it enjoyed the soils and climate profiles ideal for producing world-class wines.

 

In 1991, with advice from a leading viticulturist, we planted the vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Subsequently Viognier and Syrah varietals were planted.

 

Alpha Domus’ first wines were released to the market in 1996 after the completion of Stage 1 of the onsite winery. Since then the winery and cellars have been expanded to process and cellar premium wines entirely from our own vineyards.