Paul moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2009 with an interest in all areas of the wine business, and in a hands-on role has continued the momentum of Alpha Domus.
Overseeing brand re-development, marketing and the distribution evolution, has seen the profile of Alpha Domus increase in domestic and international markets.
In the vineyard spearheading the replanting programme, with over 60% of the original vineyard replanted and the conversion to organic production.
In the winery new product development, including the introduction of 2 sparkling wines, the Cumulus Methode Traditionelle re-introduced from trials in the early 2000’s and the Beatrix Sparkling Rose.
These elements of the business; growing, making and selling, combine to make for an interesting, sometimes challenging, enjoyable role.
Beatrix Ham
Beatrix has grown up and around the vineyard and winery for most of her life. After completing studies at Victoria University in Wellington, she spent time overseas in London and travelling.
She had not envisioned working in the family business at first, but nevertheless Beatrix became imbued with the passion and energy for the challenge to sustain the family spirit behind Alpha Domus. After returning from travels she became involved and has been integral in the rebranding and repositioning of Alpha Domus.
Barry Riwai
Barry Riwai, winemaker at Alpha Domus has worked in Hawke's Bay for over 20 years. Originally from Hamilton, Barry moved to Hawke's Bay to study Wine Science at EIT and has been captivated by the many styles of wine grown in the region. He also has extensive experience overseas having made wine in the Rhone, Loire and Bordeaux regions working for both large and boutique producers.
Barry has judged at New Zealand and Australian wine shows for many years and shares his affinity for wine with his wife who is also a winemaker. They live in Napier with their three teenage children.
"Leading the Alpha Domus team through the transition to certified organic production has been a 25 year career highlight. Good wines reflect the soil, sunshine and rain where the vines grow, organics makes this connection even stronger."
Darren Chatterton
Darren completed his studies in 2002 and thereafter spent a brief time with HortResearch supporting Dr Steve McArtney in managing two wine grape projects.
Having achieved two decades experience in the Viticulture industry, this has given Darren a wide knowledge of day-to-day operations along with extensive practical skills to meet the challenges that are involved with wine-grape production. The Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture has consolidated this practical experience with a technical base that compliments his understanding of vine husbandry.
Darren say's "Not one growing season is the same as another so the challenge is to be instinctive, observant and adaptive, with sound knowledge to maintain the vines in balance, producing the best fruit that the season offers. Grapes that are clean with distinctive regional and varietal flavour profiles, acid and tannin balance, therefore allowing the winemaker every opportunity to easily express these in the wine. Quality wine production starts with quality wine grape production."
Proudly a New Zealand family owned vineyard, ‘Alpha’ is derived from the names of the founders and ‘Domus’ is Latin for home.
An integral part of the Alpha Domus brand and the Bridge Pa landscape, has been the close and constant presence of the nearby historic Bridge Pa Aerodrome, and resident Tiger Moths.