Smith & Sheth

Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth share a love for the same things: fine wine, Aotearoa New Zealand and enjoying life’s pleasures. They met in Hawke’s Bay over a glass of Chardonnay and in 2014 realised their vision of founding a wine dream together. That dream was to craft impeccable wines from vineyards of exceptional quality and to create experiences where they could share these wines with like-minded people.

Steve Smith MW has a formidable reputation in the wine industry: renowned for establishing Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough, he is also one of few qualified Master of Wines to be based in New Zealand. Brian Sheth, from Austin Texas, is an investor and wildlife conservationist, with a strong affiliation and love for New Zealand.

There is a Māori word with powerful meaning, Tūrangawaewae, which translates to standing place (tūranga) and feet (waewae). It defines a special place in the world where one feels empowered and connected. For us, that place is Hawke’s Bay. It is our foundation.

The Māori word for Hawke’s Bay is Heretaunga, which translates to resting place, but has another meaning too. Heretaunga hauku nui describes a land that is rich in cultivated food and natural production. This place of abundance, Heretaunga Hawke’s Bay, is the birthplace of our wines and where we choose to call home.