You're not drinking one year's vintage
You’re drinking 30 years of Forrest.
Drs John and Brigid Forrest are Forrest, a small, very much 'hands-on" producer, of premium quality white wine from their home vineyards in Marlborough, whilst in, partnership, they produce the Cornerstone Bordeaux red from their vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels Region of Hawkes Bay and premium Pinot Noir from their vineyards in Bannockburn and Waitaki Valley, Otago
Leaving behind careers in molecular biology and medicine John and Brigid returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish their first vineyard at Renwick - at the heart of the stony Wairau River Valley.
Vintage 1990 saw the first Forrest wine and immediate success with a trophy at the national wine awards - success that has been repeated many times both nationally and internationally over the subsequent vintages.
To the often asked question "why did you do it?" the answer is, a mixture of the wine 'passion' and a desire to achieve and be recognised and rewarded for ones efforts. In hindsight we struck upon a career which suits our personalities - a perfect blend of art and science.
Grape growing and winemaking is an exacting science, however it must have the artistic touch to give the wines 'soul'. That individual expression of style is the trademark of our wines - rich aromatic white wine, and powerfully scented reds - all impeccably structured and a joy to drink.
Dr John Forrest
Founder
Dr John William Forrest was born (1955) and bred in Marlborough, New Zealand. A PhD in Neurophysiology decided to become a wine grower and returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish Forrest Wines alongside his wife Brigid. Lower alcohol and screw cap pioneer, he is known for pushing the boundaries in New Zealand wine.
Dr Brigid Forrest
Founder
Alongside the day-to-day involvement in the vineyard, winery and administration, Brigid has served 30 years as a medical doctor working in General Practice, specialising in pregnancy care, birth and families, and then as a community geriatrician managing the physical and mental health of older people and then Hospice, ensuring that people can live life fully to the very end.
Beth Forrest
General Manager / Winemaker
Masters in Oenology from Adelaide University, Beth brings with her a wealth of knowledge, vibrancy, youth and an infectious passion for winemaking, continuing the innovative, cutting edge and the sometimes mad scientist theories that have made Forrest what it is today.