Welcome

Philip Jones and Sheryl Jones established the winery in 1990. Philip is a graduate of the University of California with degrees in Viticulture and Integrated Pest Management. He worked for eighteen years as a consultant to the agricultural industry and during this period trained as a Winemaker at California State University. His experience as both a Winemaker and Viticulturist contribute greatly to the winery direction and success. Spencer Hill is Nelson’s second largest winery in sales.

After investigating viticultural areas throughout New Zealand it was decided to establish vineyards and a winery in the Upper Moutere hills close to Nelson. The first wines were produced in 1994 and were quickly recognized as some of New Zealand best wines.

Over the years additional vineyards were planted and brands added. Goose Bay wines were developed for the kosher market throughout the world and Spencer Hill is the only New Zealand winery to make kosher wines. The highly successful Latitude 41 range is a blend of Nelson and Marlborough grapes resulting in a wine that offers the best of both areas.

Innovation is no stranger to Spencer Hill. From a closure standpoint we were the first to use synthetic corks in our entire range. When Diam corks become available we were the first New Zealand winery to use them. We still consider them the best closures available,. We were also the first New Zealand winery to use the Zork closure in a major range of wines. We are not fans of the screwcap closure due to its limiting ability to let wines age and the risk of reduction in the wines.

Spencer Hill was the first to introduce Pinot Gris and Viognier to the Nelson area, which is now developing a reputation for its aromatic wines. We were also the first to use native yeast’s for our entire range of red wines. In the vineyard we were the first in Nelson to use steel posts thus reducing the effects on the environment from treated wood posts. Our Coastal Ridge vineyards are the only ones planted in this part of Tasman Bay.

We are branching out and have planted vineyards in the Columbia Gorge area of Washington State. This very new viticultural area will help us learn new ideas and become familiar with potential new varieties such as Alborino and Tempranillo. We are slowly growing with our many distributors throughout the world but are determined to make sure of one thing; that our wines continue to meet the expectations of our devoted and growing customer base around the world. Spencer Hill is now Nelson’s second largest winery in sales.