Framingham Winery
New Zealand Winery of the Year 2018
About Us
Since planting its first vineyard in 1981, Framingham has become New Zealand’s leading Riesling winery and a pioneer of organic winemaking in the Wairau Valley. Our F-Series pushes winemaking boundaries with wild fermentation, rare varieties, and innovative techniques—crafted only once, with lessons incorporated into the main Framingham Range.
History
The original vineyard was established in 1981 by Wellingtonian engineer Rex Brooke-Taylor, who named it after his ancestral hometown near Norwich, England. Initial wine production used other wineries’ facilities until 1997, and the first Framingham wine release was a 1994 Riesling. Today, all wines are produced at our Conders Bend Road winery, with the first onsite batch made in 1998.
Over the years, Framingham has produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage, Merlot, Merlot-Malbec, Chenin Blanc, and Méthode Champenoise. Our current family-owned Sogrape company produces Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Viognier, and Montepulciano.
Our People
Many individuals have helped Framingham “operate out of the mainstream,” enabling us to make wine by our own rules.
Dr. Andrew Hedley – Head Winemaker (2001–2020)
PhD in Organic Chemistry, self-taught winemaker
Joined Framingham in 2001 from Gateshead, England
Internationally acclaimed for Riesling
Cancer survivor and punk rock enthusiast
Jim Bowskill – Viticulturalist
Specializes in organic viticulture
Winner of 2011 Marlborough Young Viticulturalist of the Year