Our Community
At Longbush Wines, our roots run deep, not just in the land but in the connections we have with our wider family and community. The story of Longbush Wines begins with a special place – the Waikereru Longbush Reserve, a winding stretch of native forest that hugs the Waimata River in Gisborne. This beautiful stretch of land is not only the heart of our winery but also an area of great importance for conservation and family history.
Longbush Waikereru Reserve was born from the vision of John's sister, Dame Anne Salmond and her husband Jeremy Salmond. Together, they’ve dedicated their lives to preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty, and their passion is embodied in the restoration of the Waikereru Eco-Sanctuary. Located in the heart of Gisborne, the sanctuary focuses on the restoration of native New Zealand bird species and plants. In recognition of her incredible work, Dame Anne was awarded New Zealander of the Year in 2014, an honor that highlights her contributions to conservation and her role as a leading author and environmental advocate. For more on the Waikereru Eco-Sanctuary, visit Waikereru Eco-Sanctuary.
In the world of Longbush Wines, family plays a crucial role, and this extends to John’s twin brother, Rick Thorpe. Rick and Carol Thorpe are the proud owners of Waimata Cheese, a family-run business based in Gisborne, where they share their passion for crafting premium cheeses from locally sourced milk. Their dedication to quality and sustainability mirrors the values that underpin everything we do at Longbush Wines. To explore more about Rick’s work and the exceptional cheeses produced at Waimata Cheese, visit Waimata Cheese.
The Longbush Wines family is deeply rooted in a shared commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and preserving the land we cherish. John and Wendy are proud parents to five children, with their youngest, Ash Thorpe, now working alongside his father in the family business. Through our connections with remarkable individuals like Anne, Jeremy, Rick, and many others, we are proud to contribute to a vibrant community that celebrates the natural beauty and rich heritage of New Zealand.
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