Launched in 1998 by Wakatū Incorporation in partnership with two Māori organisations, Tohu Wines is recognised as He mātāmua taketake – the original as the first Māori-owned and operated wine label in New Zealand and the world.
“Our vision in founding a wine company was to have a platform to share our culture, story and values with the world,” says Paul Morgan, Wakatū Chairman.
“From the beginning we knew how important our brand and story were. Every Tohu bottle carries our distinctive logo, derived from a koru pattern. For Māori, the koru symbolises growth, life and the natural world, and our logo celebrates this iconic spiral. It represents the growth of our company and the journey of our people from the past to today. This koru signifies our long-term intergenerational goals and has become our tohu, our signature,” he says.
Since 2002 Tohu Wines has been growing its own grapes, and since 2012, has been crafting wine in its own winery.
Tohu Wines is part of Kono, the food and beverage arm of Wakatū.
“We are proud that we can take our own grapes all the way from vineyards, to the winery, all the way to our consumers’ hands,” says Rachel Taulelei, Kono CEO.
“Through Tohu Wines we get to take kaupapa Māori to the world every day. We strive to work in ways that are kind to people and environment without compromising quality and integrity. We have a strong spiritual connection with the land and a responsibility to pass it on in good health to future generations.
“Over the last twenty years, we have created internationally acclaimed wines, crafting wine that encapsulates a place and time, and reflects the unique characteristics of our vineyards. In making our wine we are committed to upholding our deeply held values, which include rangatiratanga, manaakitanga and hihiritanga – excellence, kindness and innovation.”
Morgan says 20 years is a significant milestone for any business. “It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our achievements and to acknowledge all those that have been part of our history and success, as well as to look forward to a positive future.
“We are thankful to all those who have worked tirelessly to take Tohu Wines from its humble beginnings through its current status as an internationally recognised and award-winning wine label. Thanks to farsighted pioneers such as James Wheeler and Mugwi Macdonald, we were a relatively early entrant in an industry that has become one of New Zealand’s top export earners. Our wines are now exported and enjoyed by people all over the world, with significant markets in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.”
As part of their 20-year celebrations, Tohu is releasing a limited edition Methodé Traditionelle Rewa Rosé 2015 at a special launch event in October. “We wanted to create something really special to celebrate this significant anniversary. Our sparkling Rosé is crafted solely from Pinot Noir. It’s an elegant yet complex wine with bright berry aromas and brioche notes,” says Bruce Taylor, Tohu Chief Winemaker.
