New Zealand’s Forlong Family Expands Modern Winemaking Legacy with New Winemaker & U.S. Team
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 7, 2016) – Hillersden Wine, the only single vineyard producer in the Upper Wairau Valley of Marlborough, New Zealand, is introducing its modern twist on winemaking in the U.S. through new distribution. The family-run, environmentally conscious vineyard has already garnered the attention of American oenophiles through their unique wines and their curiosity and commitment for the possible when nature and technology come together. Further expanding its brand overseas, Hillersden recently hired up-and-coming winemaker, Adam Kubrock, from the emerging wine region of Walla Walla, Washington to lead its wine production in the rugged frontier in the heart of New Zealand.
Single-estate wines with bright, crisp finishes have blossomed from this unique terrain and changed the perception of New Zealand wines in both taste and craft. Hillersden is a pioneer in single estate varietals and the subtleties of the micro-climate of the 400+ acre vineyard, providing a distinct earthy flavor profile with a solid acidity to support the fruit. After specializing in reds at Gramercy Cellars in Washington, Kubrock was drawn to the cooler climate varietals and zesty backbone of New Zealand wines. Kubrock worked several vintages at classic New Zealand wineries before fortuitously meeting founder Bruce Forlong and has made New Zealand his permanent home.
Forlong, a long-time engineer with a passion for rustic agriculture and sustainability, personally designed Hillersden to be as environmentally friendly as possible to combat the unforgiving landscape of the Upper Wairau Valley in the Marlborough region. Through the use of cutting edge technologies, the Forlong family bravely planted Hillerden’s roots in the alluvial, nutrient-rich soil of a valley carved out by ancient glacial beds. The Forlongs implement strict environmental standards and modern solutions for water management, irrigation, frost protection, solar and renewable energy, as well as incorporate organic practices wherever possible. Another innovative example of Hillersden’s commitment to sustainability include using sheep as a natural weed control alternative.
In conjunction with expanding distribution for the label, Bruce and his wife, with the guidance of the US team, are defining a wine legacy for a modern, contemporary generation. This mission is being supported by their sons. Leading operations in the United States is Caleb Forlong, who splits his time between the serenity of the vineyard life in New Zealand and the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. “We are thrilled to be introducing our varietals and passion for creating unique wines with a broader audience both here in the US and our homeland of New Zealand.” Additionally, Hillersden has appointed Lisa Pool as their CEO, bringing a renegade, avant-garde management style to her position. Pool has a mission to not only drive Hillersden’s current expansion, but also the brand as a whole. “Lisa is a dynamic individual with an incredible knowledge of wine, brand campaigns, sales, marketing and operations that will take our company to new heights in the US.” Forlong added.
The Hillersden team’s commitment to modern wine lovers is not only evident in their unconventional winemaking but also clear in the design of their exceptionally unique labels. Each varietal tells a story about the passion and dedication required to produce the wine, from the labels themselves to the wine in the bottles. These wines are the one exception to judging a book by its cover or in this case, a wine by its bottle. Adorning each bottle in gold and white ceramic are animals local to the area that have also triumphed in the rigorous climate of the valley. Hillersden’s full portfolio includes five varietals, including Pinot Noir, Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Kubrock, a winemaker with cross-continental experience ranging from heavy reds to crisp whites, is committed to expanding the legacy with future vintages and experimental planting. After unexpectedly falling in love with one of the world’s fastest growing wine regions, Kubrock is now a Marlborough local who is ready to continue the Hillersden journey.
Currently the Hillersden Wines are distributed in California, the Southwest, Central States and the East Coast with new territories opening each month and the US office bringing on in-house sales professionals late 2016. All of their wines are also available nationwide online in approved states. For more information on distribution FAQs, career opportunities, upcoming events and where to purchase Hillersden Wine, visit www.Hillersden.com. Stay up to date with their daily news on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
ABOUT HILLERSDEN WINE:
Hillersden is a family owned vineyard crafting world class wines on the frontier of Marlborough, New Zealand. The name Hillersden was taken from the land itself, a settlers’ village forgotten by time, broken by war and abandoned to decades of rural farming. Today, Hillersden is the story of the strength and resilience of one family creating a new future for a community and a new legacy for the modern wine lover. Hillersden is dedicated to crafting single estate wines to the highest of environmental standards where technology and nature come together in a daring pursuit to see agriculture thrive in even the most rugged of terrain and is changing the perception of New Zealand wine and sustainability.
