Doctors John and Brigid Forrest are Forrest, a small, very much hands on producer of premium quality white wine from their home vineyards in Marlborough. Leaving behind careers in molecular biology and medicine, John and Brigid returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish their first vineyard at Renwick, at the heart of the stony Wairau River Valley. Vintage 1990 saw the first Forrest wine and immediate success with a trophy at the national wine awards - success that has been repeated many times nationally and internationally over the subsequent vintages.

"To the often asked question "why did you do it?" the answer is, a mixture of the wine 'passion' and a desire to achieve and be recognised and rewarded for one's efforts. In hindsight we struck upon a career which suits our personalities - a perfect blend of art and science.

Our Forrest Pinot Gris grapes are grown on two distinctly different sites. The Wairau River Valley; gravel rich, free draining and devigourating soil profile, giving citrus and apple flavours, fine acidity and amazing minerality.

The Northbank of the Wairau River, where the soil is a mixture of river stones and Kaituna clay, gives a much more exotic flavour profile - orange blossom, peach, Asian pear and honeysuckle."

An attractive nose of ripe peach, nashi pear, red apple, honey suckle and just a hint of white flowers. The palate is where the wine really shines; beautifully balanced, rich, full and textured, with a crisp, refreshing finish.