The story of 3 stones begins in 2002, when the 3 Stone vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand produced their first crop. Just before harvest, over a couple of glasses of wine, we talked about the pioneering heritage of our forefathers and the true spirit of New Zealand. Our stunning land was discovered by incredibly skilled Polynesian sailors and later shaped by brave settlers, who had travelled halfway across the planet to farm and to raise children.

The conversation turned to the time when the world was torn apart by war. Though we were far from the front lines, our young men went to fight for freedom. Upon their return, the world had changed, and some were unable to find permanent work. They travelled from farm to farm, seeking what work they could. As a signal to those who might follow, when they left a farm where the food was good and the pay fair, they would make a small stack of stones on a fencepost at the farm gate.

We celebrate that tradition with our name, 3 stones and we salute all of those who have gone before, who made it possible for us to work the soil under clear skies. Kia kaha*.