Crab Farm Winery was established in the early 1980’s with the first vintage under the Crab Farm Winery label released in 1987.  The land at Crab Farm has been in the Jardine family for over 100 years.  Originally purchased without viewing beforehand – Hamish Jardine’s great grandfather was alarmed to find his new land was actually partially underwater.  With tidal pools, rushes and hundreds of Crabs, the family jokingly named it ‘Crab Farm’.

After the 1931 earthquake in Napier the land where the winery and vineyard are located was raised over 2 metres.  Hamish Jardine, owner and winemaker and his father Jim Jardine planted the vines at the home block at Crab Farm.  Over the years the winery has increased in size with two new vineyard locations.  Pukera vineyard is located in the Puketitiri valley and in 2012 the Shingle Pit block was purchased in the Esk Valley.  The philosophy of Crab Farm has always remained the same to create high quality wines using a hands on approach in all facets, this is the true essence of Crab Farm.