After years of wine tasting here and around the world we decided that we needed to follow our passion to the next level by having our own vineyard. We chose Waipara because of the quality of the Pinot Noir and Riesling that was being produced there. Although small in area it was identified as being capable of becoming a premier, if not the premier producer of quality wines in New Zealand. The dream was made possible by our champion race horse Under Cover Lover who raced here, Australia and in the USA from 1997-2000. She resides here with us on the property and was the motivation for the name of our wine label Mon Cheval. In 2001 we purchased part of a sheep farm and planning began with Graham first completing a Post Grad Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.