Our Story

Inspired by raw, natural beauty and a blatant disregard for convention, three renegades set out with a simple idea, to make more wine than they could drink and share the rest.

David and Mark Mason, with friend and winemaker Tony Bish, kicked off the legacy of Sacred Hill back in 1986. Family, friends and wine lovers around the world soon became part of the magic.

David Mason

Managing Director

The Sacred Hill vineyards in the Dartmoor Valley have been home to David all his life.

Growing up on the family farm, David and his brother Mark were handy ‘free labour’ when their father Ian became one of the first farmers to diversify by planting grapes. After a stint overseas, including vintages in Bordeaux, David returned to Dartmoor in 1986 and with Mark and Tony Bish, decided it would be a bit of fun to produce their own label. Sacred Hill was born.

“We focus on quality but we’re not into pretentiousness. Great wine should be enjoyed with friends, family and food – it’s why we started Sacred Hill and it’s still what excites us.”

WINE PICK: Sacred Hill Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Tony Bish

Consultant Winemaker

Tony is a member of the original Sacred Hill trio. He was bitten by the winemaking bug in the early 80’s (realising surfing really wasn’t a career option). Now, 32 vintages later Tony is one of New Zealand’s most respected winemakers, with a focus on quality and texture that has seen Sacred Hill wines escalate to the front of the New Zealand wine scene.

“What am I aiming for with our wines? … Simple. Sheer, delicious drinkability.”

WINE PICK: Special Selection Riflemans Chardonnay

Jack Cornes

Hawke’s Bay Winemaker

Jack has worked in the Hawke’s Bay wine industry since 2003 and loves the challenge of working with the elements to produce outstanding wines year after year. Jack is excited about the international acclaim Hawke’s Bay wines are receiving and believes we are producing wines that rival some of the best in the world while expressing Hawke’s Bay’s distinct terroir.

"Our vineyards are so unique, all we do is enhance what we get from them and the result is something spectacular"
Jack Cornes

WINE PICK: Special Selection Deerstalkers Syrah

Kate Franklin

Assistant Winemaker

After Kate’s study at Lincoln University she set out to learn every facet of the winery; getting technical in the laboratory before doing a business internship and also a couple of vintages overseas! She eventually found her way back home and to Sacred Hill where she spent a few years as the Cellar Supervisor before taking the post of Assistant Winemaker. Kate’s winemaking philosophy aligns perfectly with Sacred Hill’s to create wines which are the most natural expression of the land they come from.

"You know you’ve got it right with a classic style wine that’s a true expression of the vineyard. I am always proud to share our wines with friends and family over a delicious meal."
Kate Franklin

WINE PICK: Sacred Hill Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay

Kel Dixon

Marlborough Winemaker

Kel is passionate about Marlborough – widely celebrated as one of the premium wine regions of the world. He is responsible for Sacred Hill’s internationally acclaimed Marlborough wines and particularly loves seeing the region’s distinctive Sauvignon Blanc enjoyed and savoured worldwide.

"We capture the flavour profiles in the vineyard and retain those throughout the winemaking process so the wine you get in the bottle is fresh and fabulous.”
Kel Dixon

WINE PICK: Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Our Viticulture Team

Sacred Hill’s distinctive wines are a true expression of the vineyards they come from. Our viticulture teams in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay explore their regional expertise and partner with our winemakers to deliver wines with distinct layers, textures and flavours.