This newly published book Grape Expectations – Pohangina Valley Estate – Manawatu’s Only Vineyard by Fiona McMorrran, tells the story of one family’s vision to create Manawatu’s only vineyard – Pohangina Valley Estate.
Did you know there was a vineyard in the Manawatu, that produced Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? Well there was and this is the story of Bronwyn & Nick Dymock’s dream to produce wines in this region, not known as a wine producing area. Bronwyn’s sister Fiona McMorran who worked alongside them since the very beginning, has documented the story in this newly published book.
It is a personal account of the beginnings of the vineyard in a region unknown for grape-growing. The book tells of some of the hurdles the family had to overcome in order to establish a successful business selling award-winning wines.
The book covers the original decision to set up the vineyard, the initial sprouting of the vines, and the development of the first wines. It takes the reader through the growth of the business to the point where major events were being hosted on the property, and some of the trials and tribulations of hosting these events.
The book is an excellent read written in a very relaxed ‘first person’ style & takes you on a journey from the owners decision to start a vineyard, the establishment of the vines, first and subsequent harvests and how they developed the business over the following years expanding to olives, truffles and finally hosting vineyard events.
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout, divided into nine easy to digest chapters and is a wonderful insight into the complexity and process involved in starting and developing a vineyard from scratch.
It is quite emotive towards the end when bureaucracy & legislation result in the decision to close the business after 20 years of hard graft.. A highly recommended read. JB.
Available from Paper Plus Palmerston North, mcmorranfe@actrix.co.nz $39.99 or online at:
https://bmbooks.co.nz/product/grape-expectations-pohangina-valley-estate-manawatus-only-vineyard/
