History

Alexandra in Central Otago is the historic home of the Love family and the home of James Love Pinot Noir. It was also the home of the original pioneer family member, James Love for whom the wine is named.

At the tender age of 17, James Love left his home in Scotland sailing on the James Nicol Fleming for New Zealand to make a new life in a new country. He arrived at the port of Otago in 1871 and made his way to Central Otago and initially squatted in a vacant cottage on the banks of the Manuherikia River. Eventually he purchased land around the cottage and began farming. The property became known as 'The Willows' a name that it continues to be known by today as a successful deer farm.

James Love's farming operation had to endure the vagaries of the harsh climate. Snow storms could be expected in any month, severe frosts played havoc with growth and summer could bring baking heat. But despite the climate, James was a successful and very forward thinking farmer. He was the first to grow Lucerne in Otago, he introduced border-type irrigation, dabbled in making fruit wines and was a familiar figure around Otago for over half a century.

He was educated, a gifted musician, composer and lyricist and in 1884 James married Charlotte Heyward and together they had nine children. He passed away on the 21st of January 1921 at the age of 66.

A wine dedicated to his memory

Today the Love family continue to farm in Central Otago and while the snow storms are less severe, the minus temperatures are still experienced, making grape growing a real challenge. But this edge of climate scenario has its benefits as the cold nights enhance the true flavours of the Pinot Noir grape.

Growing in the gravels and clays of an ancient lakebed, the Love family vines offer the promise of further delights as they continue to mature.

The Pinot Noir from the Love family vineyard is dedicated to the memory of one of Central Otago's early pioneers and proudly carries the name James Love.