Darryl, Emma, Bridget & Dominic Soljan

We are the fifth generation of our family to grow grapes and make wine for a living.

(Darryl's Great-aunty Laura, Great uncle Paul, Great grandmother Rakelina, Great grandfather Bartul & Great uncle Peter at the Henderson property)

(Darryl's father Rex pushing him in an apple box 1971)

In 1994 we made a new start and began our quest to find a special piece of land from which we could produce world-class wine. Our search lead us to Matakana, one of NZ's "hottest" emerging wine regions, where over two long years (1996 & 1997) we planted our vineyard on a magnificent single, steep hillside.

(Darryl & Bridget planting 1996)

The iron-rich Matakana clay, warm maritime climate, and superb northerly aspect at Ascension have produced wines that are both widely acclaimed in the press, and keenly sought by wine enthusiasts.

Peter Saunders, wine critic and author of A Guide to NZ Wines has described Ascension as "the regional star of Matakana".

Life is too short to drink boring wine, and our philosophy has evolved to craft small quantities of distinctive, terroir-driven wines from both traditional and very unusual varieties. There is no boardroom at Ascension. Our vineyard and winery decisions are driven solely by a passion to grow the very best grapes, and make the finest wines.

Expensive techniques regarded as "special" by many wineries, such as cane pruning, extensive leaf plucking, crop thinning and hand harvesting, are standard here. Our small 7,000 case production and loyal customers ensure you will only find our wines in some of New Zealand's more enlightened specialist wine stores and restaurants. Of course the best way is to pick some up on your way out at our Cellar Door!

We have grown up with wine at the table, and Ascension wines are crafted with a total wine and food experience in mind. Visitors to the vineyard can enjoy Ascension wines alongside meals served in our multi-award winning vineyard Bistro.