Winemaker

Ariki (Rick) Hill, a New Zealand native commenced his winemaking career whilst working fulltime in the dairy industry in New Zealand in 1985. An opportunity to manage dairy operations in the Middle East curtailed his early enthusiasm, but was reignited when he studied oenology at Charles Sturt University, Australia in 1992.

A career change to the fruit juice industry and the flexibility of a non-seasonal work schedule gave Rick the opportunity to undertake a wine internship in Santa Barbara County, California. 

His interest and obsession was Pinot Noir and he was ideally placed. In 2000, after founding Labyrinth, Rick produced his first commercial vintage, sourcing Pinot Noir from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard. 

The following year he teamed up with friend  and mentor, now wife, Lane Tanner.

In 2002, Labyrinth produced it's inaugural vintage in the Yarra Valley, Australia, exclusively Pinot Noir. 

A lifestyle change in 2004 meant relocation to the U.S. 

In 2007, Rick expanded the portfolio to include full bodied reds predominantly from the Paso Robles region under the Haka label.