Ash Ridge Winery

Discover the Heart of Organic Winemaking in the Bridge Pa Triangle

Nestled in the iconic Bridge Pa Triangle of Hawke’s Bay, Ash Ridge Winery (2543 State Highway 50, Roy’s Hill, Hastings) embodies the essence of slow-grown, organic wines crafted with heart and heritage. Established originally in 2005, this boutique vineyard has been under the stewardship of winemaker Leith Ashworth and his wife Tracy since November 2021, when they embarked on a “grape-to-glass” journey rooted firmly in their local community.

A Family-Run Vision: Grape-to-Glass and Community-Focused

Ash Ridge isn’t just another winery—it’s a family affair through and through. Located just down the road in Maraekakaho, Leith and Tracy live with their three young children and their beloved wine dog, Winston, who often greets visitors with a wagging tail. Leith wears many hats—as head winemaker, viticulturist, bottler, pizza-flipper, event host, and even livestock caretaker. It’s this “all-in” philosophy that shapes the warm, laid-back experience at the cellar door.

Organic Excellence & Sustainable Practices

A standout among Hawke’s Bay vineyards, Ash Ridge achieved full organic certification by harvest 2022, a rare feat in the region.
Their regenerative approach includes using sheep and cattle for sward and canopy management, which promotes biodiversity and soil health—blending traditional livestock farming with modern viticulture.

Bridge Pa Triangle Terroir: A Winemaker’s Dream

Positioned on the former floodplain of the Ngaruroro River, the Bridge Pa Triangle offers unique viticultural advantages—free-draining red metal soils, loess, volcanic ash, and greywacke, along with abundant sunshine, low rainfall, and long ripening days. These conditions rival those in Bordeaux and are especially well-suited to Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Award-Winning Cellar Door & Visitor Experience

In 2023, Ash Ridge was named Cellar Door of the Year at the Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards—an accolade that celebrates their fresh, inclusive, and “community-loved” approach. Judges praised how Leith and Tracy built an experience that is “young and fresh, for all of the community to enjoy.” The cellar door is a friendly, family-oriented space perfect for relaxed tastings—complete with pizzas, platters, hot and cold drinks, and plenty of room for groups and children to roam while adults enjoy a glass in the sun.

Experiential Tours: The Bridge Pa Wine Festival

Each January, the local wineries get together and host The Annual Bridge Pa Wine Festival. Buses are provided from the city centres to the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District and from there you can shuttle around the local wineries. Find out more at the Bridge Pa Triangle website for details on the festival and more.

Winemaking Heritage & Connectivity

Leith’s winemaking roots run deep—his winemaking journey began in 2004 with Vidals, and he also serves as winemaker for Junction Wines, founded by his parents (his father, former All-Black John Ashworth). His background includes international vintages in Bordeaux and Oregon, alongside over two decades in the Hawke’s Bay wine industry.
Additionally, Ash Ridge is invested in nurturing talent. They often hire emerging winemakers from EIT (Eastern Institute of Technology), offering hands-on experience across vineyard, winery, and cellar-door operations.

Diverse, Approachable Wines with a Story

Ash Ridge produces a vibrant range of wines reflective of their terroir and ethos—premium Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet blends, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Many of their wines pay homage to family members and their loyal dog, Winston, with creatively named expressions like Elodie, Imogen, Maximus, and Winston—each with a playful personality matching the spirit of the wine.

Their Wine Club (six-bottle deliveries every four months) offers exclusive access to member-only releases, harvest pick experiences, and blending afternoons. It’s a vibrant way to engage with the brand beyond the visit.

Why Ash Ridge Shines in Hawke’s Bay Wine Tours
Ash Ridge offers a compelling fusion of:

• Organic and sustainable viticulture
• Family-centric hospitality
• Unique Bridge Pa Triangle terroir
• Local heritage with global winemaking expertise
• Interactive, educational tours
• Award-winning cellar-door experience

Whether you’re a serious wine tourist, a family looking for weekend fun, or a wine club enthusiast, Ash Ridge invites you to feel at home—glass in hand, friendly dog by your side, and nature unfolding all around.

Don’ forget to book your regular bikes or electric bikes here with On Yer Bike Winery Tours.