Amor Bendall Wines in Gisborne, North Island, was established in 1998,
and produced its first vintage in 1999. AB is owned and operated by
partners Noel Amor and Alison Bendall. Noel's winemaking skills are
the culmination of more than 20 years experience in the Food Industry,
but he has now stepped aside from corporate life to bring one of his
dreams to fruition. He is assisted by his partner Alison, who helps
with the administration of the business. AB started life as a small-scale
venture, in true Kiwi style in a shed - but has now matured into a serious
wine producer concentrating on the very best grape varieties in the
Gisborne region. AB has no vineyards of its own, but sources grapes
from leading Gisborne growers to meet it's exacting quality needs. "We
require vine mature fruit with a pre-determined acid balance" says
Noel. Grapes are hand selected and hand picked and quickly converted
to juice with minimal skin contact. AB is located in a stunning oceanside
location at Wainui Beach just outside Gisborne; this little company
now produces mainly white wines including stunning Sauvignon Blancs,
Chardonnays, and a world-class Guwürztraminer amongst others. AB
wines win countless awards both at home in New Zealand and also elsewhere
in the world, and are proving immensely popular on the NZ restaurant
circuit.
