Maison Noire

About

Indeed I had to review my plans about travelling the rest of the winemaking world because love had struck and would make me stay in New Zealand thereafter!“

Maison Noire, New Zealand’s very own French love story. Winemaker and owner, Guillaume Thomas, was born to make beautiful wine – growing up in France, 20km south of Nantes in the Muscadet growing region. Guillaume learned how to make wine in Bordeaux and worked in Loire Valley and Pomerol. Following his time in France, he took his passion and skills to Australia, then moved back to France and studied wine marketing in Montpellier. He also spent some time in California before travelling to New Zealand for the 2006 vintage. This is where Maison Noire’s story really began. 

During Guillaume‘s first New Zealand vintage he met Esther, who is now his wife. The pair quickly fell in love, but Guillaume had already made plans to join a friend to go camping with in Australia on his way back to France – so they weren’t sure if they would see each other again. Esther kissed Guillaume goodbye at the Napier airport, told him he was going to have a wonderful life and that he would meet someone and be a fantastic husband. A few weeks later Guillaume phoned Esther from France, said he had 4 weeks left before his next job started, and to fly over immediately to spend some time with him – Esther did just that. After Guillaume finished his contract in Hungary, he flew to NZ, and stayed. 

The new couple quickly realised their dream to produce amazing wine and bought a plot of land in Hawke’s Bay. Shortly after, their daughter Lilly arrived, followed by the Maison Noire vineyard. Maison Noire was planted in 2014/2015 and is 0.8 hectares small. It is incredibly unique with many varieties including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc. These varieties allow Guillaume to showcase his experience in winemaking and honour the couples’ interesting and romantic take on wine.