Launched as a public wine company in 2001, Waipara Hills was awarded the accolade of fifteenth fastest growing company in New Zealand by Deloitte’s in 2004. Production From 6000 cases in 2001 to over 89,000 cases in 2006 Waipara Hills’ growth has been spectacular.

To facilitate the rising production a purpose-built 2000 tonne state-of-the-art winemaking facility was leased in Marlborough. Known as South Pacific Cellars the facility offers the company’s winemaking team a high tech platform from which to create the best quality award winning wines.

Until recently the company owned no vineyards and relied exclusively on long-term relationships with some of New Zealand’s most established quality grape growers in Marlborough and Waipara.

In September 2005 Waipara Hills entered an exciting and significant merger with Marlborough based New Zealand Vineyard Estates Limited. NZ Vineyard Estates brings 325 hectares of premium, mature vineyards into Waipara Hills’ supply chain ensuring enhanced volume and continuity of supply to expanding world markets.

The merger was completed on 3rd July 2006 and included the aquisition of a new prominantly placed winery and restaurant facility on State Highway 1 in Waipara. This brings the company's net asset to around $48M

Along with this growth has come a considerable list of international trophies, medals and accolades. For any wine producer to win eight trophies, thirty gold medals and thirty-two silver medals in such a short time is a notable achievement and one which Waipara Hills is proud of. A condensed ‘Honours Board’ for Waipara Hills’ wines is included.

The vineyards previously owned by NZ Vineyard Estates were strategically planted in three of New Zealand’s key grape producing regions: Marlborough (Sauvignon Blanc), Waipara (predominately Riesling) and Central Otago (Pinot Noir).