Aard.
Aard is the Flemish word for something's true nature; it's character or disposition.
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We chose this name as it reflects our approach to winemaking - simplicity, care and connection with the earth; allowing the vines to express themselves.​
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Aard began in 2023, when we made the move to Hawkes Bay, to farm at the vineyard Annabelle grew up on.
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​Our wines will never be fined, filtered, or have anything except a small amount of SO2 added - and only in some wines, if it's really necessary.
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They will always be made with organic certified grapes that we have farmed ourselves, using biodynamic practices, and have a real connection with. ​​​
VINEYARD & WHENUA
We are lucky to farm a 3.5ha vineyard site just outside of Pakipaki, near the Awanui stream. We work alongside with Annabelle's parents, who make Hopes Grove wines.
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The vineyard was planted in 2005 & 2006. We currently grow Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Viognier, with some new plantings going into the ground soon.
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The soil is a mixture of pliocene limestone, clay, and volcanic silt. We sometimes find small seashells and fossils inside rocks on the hills.
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The slopes are mostly north or north-east facing, protecting us from the full force of the cool southerly winds which we often feel here. ​
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We feel extremely lucky to be able to connect with the land and farm here.
ABOUT US
ANNABELLE
My family moved to the farm when I was a child. Growing up on the vineyard, I was surrounded by wine from a young age - although if you asked me back then, I never thought I would end up making it.
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Wine crept up on me however, and ended up leading me on a journey around the world. I worked in various countries and regions to explore and learn winemaking from many perspectives.
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I ended up in the Mosel Valley, where I was first exposed to the world of natural wine, and where I met Bart. Long story short, there was no going back.​ ​​​​
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I feel deeply connected to our land and very lucky to be able to be part of the history of this place.
BART
​​​I come from Antwerp, Belgium - not exactly the capital of the winegrowing world.
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After I was introduced to natural wine, I was getting plenty of experience tasting it, but I wanted to learn more about growing and making it. So, I moved to Germany to learn straight from the winegrowers. With a background in horticulture and agriculture, it was easy enough to make the switch to viticulture.
I farmed a couple of my own parcels over there, and ​was planning to set myself up long term in the Mosel when Annabelle and I met. We decided to give winegrowing a shot together, and after a couple of years ended up making the big move to New Zealand and here we are. ​​​​​​
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I love to farm, and to grow things. And things seem to love growing in the Hawkes Bay climate so let's see what we can do.
Get in Touch
Any questions? Get in touch here.
We are happy to organise tastings at our place on the vineyard. Please message us to organise a time beforehand.