Heron Ridge began with a small exploratory project for Pippa Orps when she was working as an assistant winemaker in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The winery was visited by the Jones & Company lead buying team, Mike Muirhead and Gary Hewitt along with Paul and Shirley Martens of Blend Imports. The team tasted Pippa’s wine in tank, started a serious discussion, and an agreement was forged for a wine that did not yet have a name or a reputation. When it arrived at Jones & Co., it sported a simple label, and the vintage served as the name: O-Nine. Manitobans fell in love with it. Since that time the Heron Ridge name was developed and their production has grown by small measures to include a few excellent wines, respectfully made and offering incredible depth, character, and complexity.