Our Story

Sustainably grown, by a hard working Kiwi family with deep farming roots, and crafted by passionate artisan winemakers, Montford Estate Wines will connect you to heartland New Zealand, through a simple, honest, delicious range of wines.
Owner & Founder

Haysley MacDonald

Haysley wasn't always a grape grower and wine producer.

Haysley’s family has deep, historical ties to the Marlborough area, tracing back to the early Maori arrivals in New Zealand around 800 years ago. His family and tribe have lived on the land since then, transitioning from traditional hunting and gathering to modern agriculture by the 19th century.

The land, close to the original landing site, has been used for beef and dairy farming, and later for potato farming in the 1990s. The MacDonald family's potato business was a major supplier of pre-cut frozen chips in the 90s. People still remember young Haysley helping his dad, Phillip, deliver bags of chips to local restaurants, pubs, and cafes.

In the early 2000s, Haysley led the charge to convert the family farm from potatoes to Sauvignon Blanc, and the vineyard business took off. Initially growing grapes and contract harvesting for other vineyards, Haysley saw the incredible quality of the fruit being grown in the family blocks, so in 2011 he decided to launch his own wine brand, te Pā. Since then, the te Pā Family Vineyards stable of brands has grown to include the critically acclaimed te Pā range and Pā Road — one of the fastest growing wine brands in New Zealand.
Chief Winemaker

Sam Bennett

A highly awarded and internationally experienced winemaker, Sam believes great wine is all about respect. Respect for the fruit, the land, the people and the process.

Sam comes from Whangarei in the far north of the New Zealand and studied biology, oenology and viticulture at Waikato University. He has over 20 vintages under his belt from New Zealand and around the world. 

His international experience has been in the cool climate regions of Tasmania, Oregon and Burgundy. He honed his local winemaking skills with leading New Zealand wineries in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago. Sam has been named as one of the world’s top 100 master winemakers by leading wine publication, Drinks Business, three times.

"We're passionate about growing and crafting world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose, and Pinot Noir from our sustainably-managed Marlborough vineyards."


- Haysley MacDonald
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