In the early 1990’s Californians John Kemble and Kaar Field began their search for a vineyard and winery to establish what has become Kemblefield Estate Winery.
John researched several potential sites in New Zealand before settling on Mangatahi, Hawkes Bay. He felt it’s unique microclimate, reminiscent of his California homeland, was the ideal place to combine his winemaking knowledge with superb Hawke’s Bay grapes.
John Kemble is our Chief Winemaker and Director and has over 25 years wine making experience. He has a Plant Science Degree from the University of California, Davis, and spent fifteen years with Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma, California, in their developing years gave John his love of winemaking & Zinfandel, the grape varietal he has introduced to New Zealand.
The move to New Zealand has meant adapting some of his winemaking methods to suit Hawkes Bay. Kemblefield grows all their own grapes, giving the control needed to produce consistently fine wines.