Mr. Monty Knight

Okahu Estate's Monty Knight was equally enthusiastic about this year's harvest, which he said had produced some of his cleanest and ripest fruit ever, especially the reds, for which Okahu was recognised. "If this is global warming then bring it on," Mr Knight said.

I'll drink to that - Monty Knight celebrates more international success for Kaitaia's Okahu Estate.

Kaitaia's Okahu Estate has struck silver for the fourth year running at the prestigious San Francisco international wine competition, along with now fewer than five bronze awards.Okahu's Shipwreck Bay Merlot Cabernet 2005 won the silver, repeating the success of the 2004 vintage, which took silver last year.Shipwreck Bay Syrah 07 was awarded bronze, as were Okahu brand wines Merlot 2005, Pinotage 2007, Chambourcin 2005 and Chambourcin 2006. "The silver medal is especially satisfying," Okahu founder and owner Monty Knight said."Shipwreck Bay are our entry level wines, positioned to be easy drinking and reasonably priced.To win a silver medal in this very large competition, in the heart of America's Cabernet- Merlot-growing region and up against entries from all over the world, is truly humbling."It's a tribute to the viticulturists and wine-making team at Okahu," he added."All the wines to win awards are acknowledged by the competition judges to be of the best quality and in the upper range of wines presented."Rod McIvor, acting president of the Northland Wine Growers' Association, said Mr Knight had every reason to be well pleased.
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"Congratulations to Monty and the Okahu team."

"Gold medal success, is like winning a marathon, especially for boutique wineries like Okahu" said the winery's owner and founder Monty Knight.
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Monty Knight 0274358388

Monty Knight, the owner of Okahu Estate Winery has announced that he has entered into an agreement with current winemaker Jennifer Bound, to lease Okahu's winery to her contract winemaking company.Monty was responsible for initiating the renaissance of wine growing in the Far North and has had much success with Okahu, Shipwreck Bay and previous wine brands both nationally and internationally. ..

The 2008 Royal Easter Show wine awards had a silver lining for Okahu Estate's Monty Knight (left) and Karikari Estate's Ben Dugdale, adding further lustre to the Far North wine industry's growing reputation for excellence.

YET MORE international success to toast - Okahu Estate chief wine maker Jennifer Bound, Wine maker Alan Collinson and founder/proprietor Monty Knight, "well pleased with silver (and three bronze) medals at the New World's Chardonnay capital.
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"This is a great result for this wine in the USA," Okahu founder and proprietor Monty Knight said."California is the Chardonnay capital in that country - in fact it's the Chardonnay capital of the New World - and when we stack ours up with all of theirs, plus entries from all over the world, and win a silver medal, we are well pleased."Bronze medals were awarded to the estate's Chambourcin 2004, Syrah 2004 and Merlot 2004.And Monty was quick to share the kudos. "Our wine-making and viticultural team, headed by chief wine-maker Jennifer Bound, must take credit for this result.Congratulations to them," he said.

I first had this big juicy wine with a rich venison stew, with none other than Okahu Estate's owner, Monty Knight. He had had the venison slow-cooking all day but my 20-minute leftover venison sausage dish was the best I could do.

Monty Knight & Bev Knight Owner
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Monty Knight M.D Manager
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Monty Knight named this wine after his daughter.
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The first vines were established in 1984 by vineyard owner by Monty Knight, since then label has earned a reputation for consistent quality, wining numerous awards including two gold medals for their Chardonnay and one gold medal for Shiraz.

The first vines were established in 1984 by vineyard owner by Monty Knight, since then label has earned a reputation for consistent quality, wining numerous awards including two gold medals for their Chardonnay and one gold medal for Shiraz.
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Monty Knight Owner:

Monty Knight M.D Manager:
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Monty Knight Marketing:

Winemaker:

Monty Knight, the owner of Okahu Estate Winery has announced that he has entered into an agreement with current winemaker Jennifer Bound, to lease Okahu's winery to her contract winemaking company.Monty was responsible for initiating the renaissance of wine growing in the Far North and has had much success with Okahu, Shipwreck Bay and previous wine brands both nationally and internationally.

Outwardly nothing will change at Okahu Estate, the cellar door will continue to operate selling Okahu and Shipwreck Bay wines.Jennifer will continue to produce Okahu's wine, the only difference being that she will be contracted to do so along with being contracted to make other wine brands for Northland growers."Essentially its business as usual" says Monty Knight, "but with my approaching senior citizen status, it is timely for me to step aside a bit, and encourage this new young blood on".

Jennifer joined Okahu as Chief Winemaker in January 2003 and with Monty's approval, commenced the production of wine under her own label "Manaia Wines" last year, with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from the 2006 vintage.She plans to slowly increase her portfolio of wines with a 2007 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that is already in bottle and a Northland Syrah 2007 that is currently in barrel.

"It is exciting to see Jennifer and her company, Manaia Wines, pouring energy and resources into the Far North's relatively young wine industry" says Monty Knight "It augers well for the positive future of our industry".

Jennifer is equally excited about the prospect of the future in the Far North."There are more people within the industry taking Northland seriously; and new vineyards, plantings and brands being planned and discussed for the near future" says Jennifer, "As a region, we need to concentrate on premium wines and growing varieties that suit our soil, climate and wine making best.With the support of the local market, Northland can further establish itself on the New Zealand wine map".

Contacts:Monty Knight Email monty@okahuestate.co.nz