James and Annie returned to Gisborne after experience gained in the famous wine regions of France and Germany and by 1983 had extensively researched and replanted the families' grape growing business.

In their first five years of production they established themselves as being leaders within New Zealand for making sweet late harvested Rieslings and wines of style coming from the Chenin Blanc variety.

Recognition has been achieved by winning numerous gold and silver medals, and three trophies at National wine competitions. Internationally gold medals have been awarded and in 1993 a trophy at the International Organic Wine Fair held annually in Britain was given to their 1992 Gisborne Chardonnay Barrel Fermented.