Meet the Team at Ash Ridge
Behind every bottle of Ash Ridge wine is a passionate, dedicated team who pour their heart and soul into every step of the process. From vineyard to bottle, we’re a close-knit group with diverse skills, deep knowledge, and a shared love for Hawke’s Bay. Whether it’s in the winery, the vineyard, or welcoming you to the cellar door, we’re here to ensure every experience with Ash Ridge is memorable. Get to know the faces behind the wines you love!
Leith, Owner & Winemaker
Leith is a true Hawke’s Bay local, raised in Central Hawke’s Bay where his family established Junction Vineyard in 2005—sparked by his father, former All Black John Ashworth’s love of Pinot Noir. While the vineyard was new, the passion for the land was deep-rooted, and Leith was crazy enough to go all boots in from the start.
He completed his degree in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University in 2004 and has since built a 20+ year winemaking career, including international harvests in Bordeaux and Oregon. At Ash Ridge, Leith leads with experience, grit, and a commitment to honest, expressive wines that speak of place.
Outside the winery, he’s a coffee lover, rock and roll fan—and, despite what he might say, secretly fond of the resident chickens.
Thalia—Assistant Winemaker & Brand Manager
From Hawai‘i to Hawke’s Bay (with a Napa stop in between), Thalia brings a worldly palate and serious winemaking skills to Ash Ridge.
Half-local at heart thanks to her Kiwi dad from Pahiatua, Thalia wears many hats at Ash Ridge—assistant winemaker, event planner, marketing mastermind, and social-media storyteller. Her vibrant energy and love for connecting people make her an essential part of the Ash Ridge family.
When she’s not wrangling barrels or crafting the next wine club email, Thalia is usually plotting her next travel adventure, exploring Hawke’s Bay’s beaches, or checking out local farmers’ markets for seasonal goodies.