Smith & Sheth is a contemporary ‘négociant’ inspired by the original French négociants and British merchants who worked, using their connections, to create expert wines.

Founded in 2014, and based in Hawke’s Bay, they seek out the best grapes from the finest vineyards, establishing steadfast relationships with the land, growers and makers. Smith & Sheth source from private growers and their own estates in Bridge Pa, Omahu and Mangatahi: all sub-regions of the Heretaunga appellation. These vineyards, all on gravelly soils, have a long history of producing exceptional wines that truly represent the potential of Hawke’s Bay Syrah and Chardonnay.

Their Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Marlborough, and Pinot Noir from Central Otago, but it is Heretaunga where they are based, which is their self-proclaimed ‘Tūrangawaewae’ - their place to stand in the world. Here, they make outstanding wines.

For Smith & Sheth, that place is Heretaunga, which refers to an area of rich alluvial plains in Hawke’s Bay, and the surrounding catchment area from mountain top to sea.

There are over 25 different soil types and altitude ranges from sea level to several hundred meters high. This creates a rich and diverse region where many grape varieties can flourish and produce extraordinary wines.

Over millennia, rivers formed valleys and terraces, the most famous of which is the Gimblett Gravels where their own vineyard is located, in Omahu.

The incredibly stony soils of the ancient bed of the Ngaruroro River and this warm location create perfect conditions for ripe, full-bodied and gravelly-textured red grapes, and soft flavoured, stony textured Chardonnay. Smith & Sheth also source Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc from here.