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Mills Reef Winery Ltd

Mills Reef Winery was first established in 1989 in Tauranga, New Zealand, by the Preston family. Since then, the company has gone on to receive significant critical acclaim. Mills Reef Wines have won over 200 medals in both national and international competitions.
It is successes like these that have helped Mills Reef to become a popular wine with New Zealand drinkers, and provides a platform for growing export sales to countries around the globe. From London to Hong Kong, The United States to Australia, people are enjoying Mills Reef Wines.
Mills Reef: The Brand

The Mills Reef name has quite a story behind it. The family's original idea was to have a brand name that was not only unique but also one that had meaning and could "tell a story."
Paddy Preston's (founder/winemaker) birth name is Warren Mills Preston. The Mills name is a reference to Paddys' great grandfather, Charles Mills, who arrived in New Zealand from the UK in 1864. Charles Mills was a sea captain but was also involved in mining pursuits in early New Zealand. This was prior to becoming a prominent Member of Parliament from 1890 - 1908, latterly as the Minister of Trade and Customs.
Mills Reef then is reference to Charles Mills exploits, both watching for reefs at sea and mining for reefs of gold. Whether or not Charles Mills ever found his "Reef" we can't say for sure, but we do know the Preston family has certainly found theirs, in the pleasure and enjoyment of making Mills Reef wines.
The Winery

Moffat Road, Tauranga is the site of the Winery complex, completed in 1995. The Art Deco style architecture is a reflection on the Hawkes Bay and specifically Napier. Hawkes Bay is regarded as the Art Deco capital of the world, as much of Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco era, after an earthquake levelled the city in 1931.
This major Tauranga landmark has frequently been acclaimed as one of the most stylish and attractive winery buildings in New Zealand. The complex boasts full winemaking and bottling facilities, a five hundred barrel cellar, an aged wine cellar and spacious wine tasting areas.
An award-winning, hundred and fifty seat restaurant completes the picture, providing an ambience which complements fine wines and cuisine. There's something for everyone, from deliciously quick woodfired gourmet pizzas, to exotic dishes for the daring such as seared ostrich steaks or strips of crocodile tail!
The Mills Reef complex makes the ideal setting for a wedding, or for something a bit different for a business conference or presentation.
The Vineyard

Mills Reef's Mere Road Vineyard, is situated in the "Gimblett Gravels" appellation of Hawkes Bay and was purchased in 1992. At the time it was planted in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. The Preston's knew this vineyard was in a very special area of Hawkes Bay so decided to replant in the traditional Bordeaux varieties, and Syrah. The first crop came off Mere Road in 1997 and from it was produced Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot. Winemaker Paddy was convinced these were special wines, so labelled them under the Mills Reef premium range "Elspeth". These wines are produced only when the winemaker feels the vintage and particular fruit picked are of exceptional quality.

Contact
Phone:	+64 7 5768800
Fax:	+64 7 5768824
Postal Address:	PO Box 2247 Tauranga
Delivery Address:	143 Moffat RD Bethlehem Tauranga

Staff
Owner:	Preston Family
Manager:	Nick Aleksich
Sales:	Dan Chorley
Winemaker:	Paddy Preston & Tim Preston

Producer Details
Opening Hours:	The Tasting Room is open to the public from 10am to 5pm seven days a week.
Vineyards:	16
Production:	50,000
Winery Tours:	No
Facilities:	A la carte restaurant, Private rooms, marquee site, 20 acre landscaped grounds, petanque courts, meetings and conferences, weddings and other functions. For a copy of our a la carte menu or for restaurant booking enquiries please contact conference@millsr
Newsletter:	Yes -
Wineclub:	No

Sales
Cellar Door:	Yes
Internet:	Yes
Direct Mail:	Yes
Via Retailers:	Yes

Wines from this Producer

Mills Reef Chardonnay | 2004 | 2002

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Franc | 2002

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot | 2006 | 2000

Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon | 2006 | 2000

Mills Reef Elspeth Chardonnay | 2000

Mills Reef Elspeth Malbec | 2006 | 2002 | 2000

Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot | 2006 | 2000

Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot Block 4 | 2002

Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot Cabernet | 2002

Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah | 2006 | 2002

Mills Reef Gewurztraminer | 2004

Mills Reef Reserve Cabernet Merlot | 2002 | 2001

Mills Reef Reserve Chardonnay | 2004 | 2002 | 2001

Mills Reef Reserve Gewürztraminer | 2004 | 2003

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay | 2004

Mills Reef Reserve Merlot | 2002

Mills Reef Reserve Sauvignon Blanc | 2004 | 2003

Mills Reef Riesling | 2004

Mills Reef Rosé | 2002

Mills Reef Sauvignon Blanc | 2003

Mills Reef Vintage Port | 2000