For former international investment banker, Alastair Scott, there was never any doubt about achieving his ultimate ambition. Although he spent much of his career working overseas, in London and Tokyo, he always wanted to return home and own a vineyard.

In the late 1990s, Alastair turned his dream into reality when he planted his first vines on a former dairy farm in Opaki.

Coming from a financial background, Alastair knew that his winery had to make good business sense and that he had to think commercially from the outset. At the time, the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was just making an appearance on the international market, and it was being very well received.

For Alastair, this confirmed that New Zealand wines had good export potential and that what he needed to do was produce world class wine for both the home and the overseas market.

With this in mind, Alastair set about planting out blocks of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. But before any of the grapes had been harvested, he met experienced winemaker Jane Cooper. The two quickly realised they shared the same business vision and passion for the Wairarapa and they soon formed a partnership.

With Jane now on board, Alastair fast forwarded his business plan and set about building a state-of-the-art winery. The impressive building was finished in time for the 2004 vintage and the first bottle of Matahiwi Estate was sold in London to wine retailer, Oddbins, in 2005.

Alastair and Jane’s conviction that an early focus on the export market was the right route to take has established Matahiwi Estate as a serious global player. And, with its Matahiwi Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc available in stores and on wine lists in the UK, Japan, Australia, Holland and Canada as well as Hong Kong and Vietnam, the winery is now firmly on the world wine map.

Jane attributes the relatively quick success of the vineyard to careful planning, dedication and perseverance. “It takes three to five years to understand a vineyard and to observe the effects of vine age,” she says.

Situated approximately 5kms from Masterton, Matahiwi Estate is open for sales and tastings by appointment.