Brick Bay Farm takes its name from the small bay on the eastern boundary of the property, a pretty beach accessible via Sandspit, fringed by pohutukawas with stunning views out to Kawau Island.
In the 1840s a brickworks was established in the bay using the local clay, and even today partial bricks are still revealed at low tide. This is all that remains of a small 19th century community which once included a post office, store, hotel and boarding house and at one stage, an encampment of gum diggers. Kauri forests once stretched right down to the beach, but these were cleared as the land was prepared for farming. Extensive native bush fortunately still exists on the site with a second growth kauri forest forming part of the Sculpture Trail.
We purchased the land in 1986 and have undertaken an extensive tree planting programme, with hundreds of trees, both native and exotic, planted annually. Vineyard plantings commenced in 1995, with 1998 seeing our first vintage. The Sculpture Trail and Glass House were conceived and built from 2004-6, opening in January 2007.
The birdlife on the property is varied with many tui, wood pigeon, and fantail in residence. More occasionally we are visited by the Australian kookaburra and rosella, and the native kaka have also been seen. Mallard and Paradise ducks, along with our resident Canadian geese reside on the lakes and the grey heron often visits.
Originally a family farm purchased in 1986, the opening of the sculpture trail and the wine tasting facility known as The Glass House in 2007, required an expansion of personnel.
As with any successful enterprise, people are the key, and at Brick Bay it is no different.
Because we are passionate about what we do, striving for excellence without compromise, we gather around us valued people who are equally passionate about their role as part of the Brick Bay Team. Key people identified below, are also ably supported by a number of enthusiastic part-time staff.
Brian Breen: Farm and Vineyard Manager: the ultimate trouble shooter. Glen Scrivener: Farm Assistant: responsible for all the tractor work ; Brian’s right hand man.
Anna Didsbury: Viticulturalist, Sculpture Trail Site Manager, Function Liaison.
Lisa Hannan: Sculpture Trail Arts Manager: liaises with artists, advisers and buyers.
Vicky Ellison: The Glass House Manager: looks after our food and wine offerings and the Glass House team.
Nina Fehm: Assists Vicky in managing The Glass House. Christine Didsbury: Wine guru and brand guardian.
Richard Didsbury: Overall mentor and ideas man.
Fiona Longuet-Higgins: Keeps our finances under control