New Zealand has always been synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. When Kevin Judd created the iconic Cloudy Bay he put New Zealand well and truly on the wine map.

Angus and Davina Thomson left their home in Aberfeldy in Perhshire, Scotland in 2005 and emigrated to New Zealand, after an uncle left Angus a parcel of land in Gladstone, Wairarapa, on the North Island. Here they founded Urlar.

The name Urlar is very close to Angus and Davina’s hearts. Not only is it the name of the place where Angus used to play as a child, but is also a Gaelic word that means “the Earth”. Urlar uses organic and biodynamic principles to make stunning single vineyard wines.

One of the most important factors in choosing your wine can be the year in which it was made. Taking aside for a moment, the pleasure in finding anniversary vintages for special occasions from someone’s birth year or the year they were married, the year a wine is made can make a big difference on the quality of the wine. This is because the weather throughout the growing season can have a huge impact. A frost at the start of the season can seriously reduce the yield, yet improve the quality of the grapes and therefore that vintage of the wine. And too much rain at the end of the season can cause the grapes to swell and result in thin, insipid wines.

Looking for a great vintage wine for a birthday or anniversary? We specialise in vintage wines from significant years. With a focus on birthday gift wines and anniversary gift wines, we source wines from all over the UK and Europe from personal collections, private cellars and sometimes, even the winery where the wine was made. Vintage gifts are one of the most personal gestures you can make and, for a wine lover, a vintage wine from their year of birth is the ultimate present. Whilst many people never open the bottle, preferring to keep it for posterity, our view is that the wine was made to drink and share with friends. What better way to share a 40th birthday or 25th wedding anniversary!