Bilancia

The Beginnings and Founding of Bilancia

The Bilancia winery was founded in 1997 by Warren Gibson and Lorraine Leheny. In this founding year, the first wines were produced: Chardonnay and Merlot. One year later, in 1998, Pinot Gris was added.

The People Behind Bilancia

Bilancia is run by Warren Gibson and Lorraine Leheny. Both are founders and shape the work and style of the winery.

The Winegrowing Region and Terroir of Bilancia

Geographical Location

Bilancia is located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The main focus is the “la collina” vineyard, on the slopes of Roys Hill west of Hastings.

Sites and Soils

There are several vineyard sites cultivated by Bilancia:

• la collina – steep terraced slope, north/north‑west facing, sheltered from cooling southern winds, with sunshine during the growing season. Upper slopes: Syrah (and “a few other interesting varieties”); the lower slopes and the flat, gravelly plains: Chardonnay and Viognier/Marsanne/Roussanne.
• Kaikora Vineyard – central Hawke’s Bay, on so‑called Pakohe soils, with Chardonnay (clone UCD15) on its own roots.
• Trelinnoe Vineyard – also on Roys Hill, soils predominantly sandstone over limestone; on the terraces Chardonnay (clone UCD15), Syrah on flatter land and on the upper slope.
• Two Terraces Vineyard – overlooking the Ngaruroro River, on Mangatahi terrace soils; deep layers of silt/sand loam, influenced by ancient river deposits and partly wind‑blown deposits.

Grape Varieties

Bilancia cultivates the following grape varieties on these sites and produces wines from them:

• Syrah
• Chardonnay
• Viognier
• Marsanne
• Roussanne
• Pinot Gris

Wine Production and Style According to Bilancia

The wines of Bilancia are shaped by origin, site, and character – they showcase both their own vineyards (“own vineyard”) and selected single vineyard sites around Hawke’s Bay.

History of the Vineyards and Major Milestones

Some key points in the development:

1. 1997 – Founding of the winery and first production of Chardonnay and Merlot.
2. 1998 – Expansion with Pinot Gris.
3. 1998 – Beginning of planting the la collina vineyard (first at the top of the slope, then the terraced and flatter sections) after the purchase of the property.
4. 2002 – First harvest of la collina Syrah.

Bilancia: Balance in the Name, Balance in the Wine

Bilancia is derived from the Italian word for “balance, harmony, and equilibrium”.

The ambition to make wines that express the origin and character of the sites while being elegant and harmonious – all of this is part of the identity.

Conclusion

Bilancia from Hawke’s Bay is a winery clearly focused on single vineyards, origin, and quality. Founded in 1997 by Warren Gibson and Lorraine Leheny, it produces a portfolio that showcases Syrah and Chardonnay, complemented by white blends such as Uvaggio, from top sites like la collina, Kaikora, and Trelinnoe. The soils range from terraces and slopes to river terraces, with gravel, sand, silt, and in some cases sandstone over limestone.

Those who choose Bilancia wines get wines with personality, a sense of place, and a distinctive signature guided by balance and expression. When you taste these wines, you will experience wines that make dedication and origin tangible.