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Richard Menzies
Vineyard Manager
Born and raised on a northern Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farm, Richard is the quintessential Kiwi farmer with a deep and abiding respect for the land.
However, a move to Mangatahi, just west of Hastings, and a chance meeting in 1985 with Mark Allan and John Hancock (formerly of Morton Estate wines), saw him swap stock for rootstock. It was with Richard’s assistance that Morton Estate established vineyards and wineries not only in Hawkes Bay, but also in the Bay of Plenty and at various locations in the South Island.
In the late 1980s, Richard also developed his own substantial vineyard at Mangatahi in a successful joint venture with Morton Estate. After 15 years, Richard and his wife Wendy sold both the vineyard and bare land and moved on to other opportunities.
The lure of the wine industry proved strong and when in 2003 Paritua approached Richard to join the business as Vineyard Manager, he was quick to accept.
Since inception, Richard – together with a great and loyal team – has developed the infrastructure of Paritua Vineyards, overseen the planting of 150 acres of vines and continues to be the driving force ensuring the best possible grapes each and every year. In Richard’s own words: “The challenges are great, but the rewards are greater and it is a true labour of love.”
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