Jason Stent - Winemaker
A native of Hawkes Bay, Paritua’s Winemaker Jason Stent developed a natural interest in winemaking, growing up amongst an ever-expanding landscape of grapevines. After completing secondary school, a passion for cycling took him to the Bordeaux region in France. Jason spent nearly two years racing as an amateur cyclist and the time spent in France also sparked a passion for fine red wines, Rhone and Bordeaux varietals in particular.
Upon Jason’s return to Hawkes Bay in 1993, he enrolled at the Eastern Institute of Technology to study winemaking. In 1995 he began his career at Sacred Hill Wines as a cellar hand, and by 1998 was the assistant winemaker. From 2000 onwards, Jason was responsible for red winemaking, native yeast fermentation, barrel trials and cooperage selection, as well as general winemaking at Sacred Hill. His work also included contract winemaking for Paritua Vineyards at the Sacred Hill winery from 2005-2007.
Jason joined Paritua Vineyards as Winemaker in 2008 and is responsible for all activity in its new and developing winery. He also works closely with the vineyard and marketing teams and still finds time to pursue his interest in competitive cycling.
Richard Menzies
Born and raised on a northern Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farm, Richard is the quintessential Kiwi farmer with a deep and abiding respect for the land.
However, a move to Mangatahi, just west of Hastings, and a chance meeting in 1985 with Mark Allan and John Hancock (formerly of Morton Estate wines), saw him swap stock for rootstock. It was with Richard’s assistance that Morton Estate established vineyards and wineries not only in Hawkes Bay, but also in the Bay of Plenty and at various locations in the South Island.
In the late 1980s, Richard also developed his own substantial vineyard at Mangatahi in a successful joint venture with Morton Estate. After 15 years, Richard and his wife Wendy sold both the vineyard and bare land and moved on to other opportunities.
The lure of the wine industry proved strong and when in 2003 Paritua approached Richard to join the business as Vineyard Manager, he was quick to accept.
Since inception, Richard – together with a great and loyal team – has developed the infrastructure of Paritua Vineyards, overseen the planting of 150 acres of vines and continues to be the driving force ensuring the best possible grapes each and every year. In Richard’s own words: “The challenges are great, but the rewards are greater and it is a true labour of love.”
Paritua - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
We stock the following wines from Paritua
Paritua Chardonnay
Paritua Grace
Paritua Riesling
Paritua Pinot Noir
Paritua Syrah
Paritua 2112
Paritua Red
