We’re the makers of modern classics
(aka the best Hawke’s Bay Wines)
Swift Wines are new generation classics — mindfully grown & mindfully made to inspire conversation & connection. We make vibrant, expressive, thought-provoking Hawke’s Bay wines that make life more fun.
(In other words: not your great aunt Jenny’s sauvs)
Someone once described Swift as ‘serious wines for not-so-serious people’ — and we reckon that’s about bang on.
we are…
All about minimal intervention
Our mindful growing approach means our wines are a true representation of where they’ve come from. Capturing this unique sense of place & vintage means doing things by taste, feel and intuition, and being present at every stage of the journey. We know it sounds a little ‘woo’, but honouring the land and following the grapes' cues hasn’t failed us yet.
Forever experimenting
NZ is known for its sauvs, but we prefer the experimental varieties that let us flex our creativity. Inspired by wines we’ve experienced on our travels (as well as wines shared with friends over the years - we love to entertain), we use a mix of old world techniques & modern innovation to create contemporary classics that have a distinct energy. One that dances on the palette…and makes you want to dance too!
True to our values
Creating a sense of connection, community & celebration is a big part of our ethos — it’s why people love wine in the first place. A good vino has the power to bring us together to talk, share stories, make memories and take a moment to enjoy this hectic thing we call life. Every day is a celebration of something, so let’s bring out the good wine.
Meet Lauren & Henry
Husband & wife / business partners / drinking buddies / founders of Swift Wines in hawke’s bay
Crowned the inaugural ‘NZ’s Young Winemaker of the Year’ at just 25, Lauren Swift has spent the majority of her life obsessing over grapes in their various forms. Growing up on an orchard in Marlborough, her first job was learning the fundamentals of grape growing (and picking — there was lots of picking) on a neighbouring vineyard.
A post-school European gap year was the push she needed to get her winemaking career off the ground, returning home to Marlborough for a role at Clos Henri Vineyard (owned by the illustrious Bourgeois family from Sancerre). A Bachelor of Wine Science at Hawke’s Bay’s EIT later, Lauren joined the Ash Ridge team and found herself heading up their brand new winery.
Throw in some more travel, including vintages in California & the Rhone Valley, and the time was finally right to go out on her own.
Lauren persuaded husband Henry to join the team, and together they officially popped the cork on Swift Wines in 2016.
Lauren and Henry didn't have all the answers, but they did have a dream and the determination to make it happen.
They’re big believers in working hard and playing harder.
And that juggling the beautiful chaos of family/business life is much more fun with a wine glass in hand.
Shop our best sellers
All pair beautifully with good food, interesting conversation and/or spontaneous dance parties.
“Delicious wines from a super talented winemaker. Swift Wines are beautiful, inside and out. Love love love the labels and that each wine reflects Lauren's passion for trying different winemaking styles, for making wines that speak of a time and a place.”
— Sara M
