Our Story

A Journey from Japan to the Heart of Hawke's Bay
In 2004, Japanese wine lover Mr. Taizo Osawa embarked on a global journey to find the perfect site for his vineyard. After exploring America and Australia, he discovered Hawke's Bay, New Zealand—a region renowned for its pristine environment and exceptional winemaking potential.
Drawn by the climate and beauty of the Mangatahi Valley, Mr. Osawa purchased 100 acres on an ancient river terrace in Maraekakaho in 2005. Nestled between the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges, the vineyard enjoys warm days, cool nights, and free-draining gravel soils—ideal conditions for crafting elegant, cool-climate wines.
In 2007, acclaimed winemaker Rod McDonald joined Osawa Wines with a shared vision: to produce world-class wines from a single estate. Together, they developed a vineyard philosophy rooted in precision, care, and respect for terroir, allowing each vintage to express the land's richness, minerality, and balance.
From its first vintage in 2008, Osawa Wines quickly gained acclaim, particularly in Japan, where it is now among the country's top New Zealand wine exporters. Today, the wines are also enjoyed in select restaurants across New Zealand.
With a commitment to quality across every tier, Osawa Wines blends Japanese dedication with New Zealand winemaking expertise to create wines of true character and distinction.

 

 

 

Pic:  Osawa Wines Cellar door in Japan

Pic:  Young vines being tended

Production at the vineyard has increased 2 fold since our early days and we are now starting to sell wine in New Zealand.  You may already have found some of our award winning wines in your local restaurants.

History

2005	Gus Lawson & Dr. Jordan consulted regarding location of new vineyard.
2006	Farm bought and first vines planted.
2007	Rod McDonald was appointed as Osawa Wines Consultant Winemaker
2008	First grapes harvested and wine produced (SB & PN).
2009	Second harvest and new wines added to our range (Gew, SB, Char, Cab Merlot, San Rose & Sangiovese). Medals are starting to be won including our first Gold Medal (see attached table).
2010	We became New Zealand’s 3rd largest exporter of wine to Japan after Sileni & Villa Maria. Pinot Gris added to our wine list.
2011	Expansion sees inclusion of local market. New restaurants are added daily to our list of suppliers and we see newspaper and magazine articles every month.  Mr. Osawa is interviewed for the first time by leading journalists.
2012	Our dessert wines make a grand entrance with gold and trophy wins at almost every show entered.  We bottle our first Methode Traditionelle.  The Prestige Chardonnay takes Gold at the Hawkes Bay A&P Awards.
2013	Conversion of our vineyard to organic under BioGro NZ.

Read more about our vineyard | Read about sustainable winegrowing