Alpha Domus Vineyard

Hawke’s Bay’s Organic, Family-Crafted Wine Experience

Nestled in the Bridge Pa Triangle, a stone’s throw from Bridge Pa, Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, Alpha Domus is a family-owned vineyard and winery known for crafting premium organic wines that elegantly reflect the terroir of the Bridge Pa Triangle. Founded in 1989 by the Ham family, Alpha Domus continues to combine winemaking tradition, organic viticulture, and distinctive wine styles to deliver quality, flavour, and authenticity.
The name Alpha Domus comes from “Alpha” derived from the first initials of the founding family members (Anthonius, Leonarda, Paulus, Henrikus, etc.), and Domus meaning “home” in Latin. The Ham family planted their first vines on 20 hectares of bare land on the Western Heretaunga plains, an area later recognized as the Bridge Pa Triangle wine district. From early on they believed this land, with its soils and climate, had the potential for world-class wine.
The family’s guiding philosophy: wines should reflect what is grown in the vineyard, with minimal intervention, letting the vintage and varietal express themselves. It’s about balance – ripeness without over-richness, freshness without blandness. Organic viticulture is central to that goal. Alpha Domus has converted to certified organic practices, emphasising clean fruit, soil health, and sustainable growing.
Alpha Domus now operates under full organic viticulture certification (recently achieved), having re-planted a large portion of their vineyard, and applying organic, sustainable vineyard and soil health methods.
Winemaker Barry Riwai leads with a philosophy of minimal intervention: letting fruit speak, picking at optimal ripeness, paying attention to varietal character, managing vines carefully (shoot thinning, bud reduction, bunch thinning etc.). All these steps contribute to wines that are expressive, elegant, and balanced.

Wines & Ranges

Alpha Domus produces a wide array of wines organized into distinct ranges to suit different tastes and occasions.

• Special Reserve: Wines from the finest parcels in outstanding vintages, including The Aviator Red Blend, The Ace Syrah, The Aerofoil Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Batten Chardonnay. These are the premium offerings.
• Reserve: Mid-tier classics of Hawke’s Bay style — think Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, and well-made red blends including The Wingwalker, The Skybolt, The Barnstormer, The Navigator. These wines balance richness and elegance.
• Collection: More casual, sociable wines with drinkability in mind — a relaxing choice for everyday enjoyment.
• Sparkling: Including Cumulus Méthode Traditionelle Blanc de Blancs and Beatrix Sparkling Rosé, for festive occasions or subtly elegant celebrations.

Signature varietals include Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec among reds; and whites like Chardonnay, Semillon, Viognier. Their wines often show fragrant florals, dark fruit, spice, soft yet well-structured tannins, and texture that comes from time on lees and oak when appropriate.

Cellar Door & Visitor Experience

Alpha Domus’s cellar door is located onsite within the vineyard, giving visitors direct access to the vines, winemaking activities, and a close connection to the land. This helps ensure transparency, flavour preservation, and an immersive tasting experience.
Visiting hours: During summer (and main season) the cellar door is open 7 days a week from approximately 10:00am to 5:00pm.
In quieter months (winter) visits may be by appointment; it’s best to check ahead.
The tasting room is informal and welcoming — you can see the barrels and tanks, observe vineyard activity, enjoy ambience in the leafy courtyard, relax under shelter and surroundings. Their cellar door staff are known to be knowledgeable, friendly, and keen to share the stories behind each wine.