In 1980, Hamish Jardine studied at Charles Sturt University externally while assisting winemaking at Reynella Wines in South Australia. In 1984, Hamish returned to New Zealand to manage the vineyard now branded as Crab Farm. "I initiated this label after the 1989 vintage from determination and hard work. The first vintages of mostly red wine, were approximatley 15 to 20 ton. Today now production is between 75 to 100 ton, 65% white 35% red".
"I also visit the Northern Hemisphere whenever possible for vintages in France. After my first vintage for Cave Cassinca in Corsica, I picked up 2 gold medals in the Roundi de Paris wineshow, and one gold medal after the second vintage of 1999. Previously this winery had never been successful in this competition."
"Over the last year we have entered 18 wines into various shows in New Zealand and one particular wine into the IWC Hong Kong. From these show entries we have achieved multiple awards, including Gold and Silver medals and several Bronze medals. I feel every wine I sell, has had some positive recognition, be it Cuisine, Winestate or shows.
Being a hands on winemaker, I prune the vineyards at Pukera and Crab Farm and finish the wines for bottling. I believe you can only achieve the detail by following the process through to the final result. My philosophy is to try as hard as I possibly can. I build on experience from year to year to achieve quality memorable hand made wines."
