Church Road Wines
Pioneering the Hawke's Bay Wine Industry. It has been over 125 incredible years since the journey began on the site where Church Road now stands. Over 125 years of capturing the riches of the Hawke’s Bay region, harnessing the natural terroir and individual character of the vineyards.
Church Road Chief WINEMAKER
Chris Scott
A passion for wine led Chris Scott to Hawke’s Bay. He started his career at Church Road Winery in 1998 as a cellar hand, after previously working summer months at Fernhill and McDonald vineyards while studying for a degree in wine science. In 2005, Chris was appointed Chief Winemaker. His philosophy of executing traditional techniques to add depth of flavour and layers of texture to exceptional quality Hawke’s Bay fruit stands him apart in creating award-winning wines full of character.
Chris Scott is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Church Road Wines
A legacy of excellence
Tom McDonald believed Hawke's Bay could produce fine red wine equal to that produced anywhere in the world. He began working in the winery in 1921 at 14, by 19 he oversaw all operations. As he was legally too young to run a winery, the winemakers license was taken out by his father. In 1936 Tom bought the winery outright and in 1944 the winery was renamed “McDonald Wines Ltd”
Tom produced New Zealand's first commercially available Cabernet Sauvignon in 1949, these 25 rows of Cabernet Sauvignon were his pride and joy and through these Tom led a wine revolution in New Zealand.
As a pioneer of the modern wave of quality winemaking in New Zealand, Tom re-energised a focus on classic grape varieties in the mid 1900’s - particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Throughout his career, Tom was an active lobbyist. In the late 1950’s Tom’s lobbying of government authorities culminated in a select few restaurants being permitted to sell wine to their patrons, something previously not possible in New Zealand. Tom was a perfectionist when it came to winemaking but above all he wanted his wines to be captivating.
Over 127 years of devotion to craft and conviction in artistry. It’s the difference between making fine wine and mastering the art of it.