In the 1800's Master Mariner Charles Stephen Bascand captained the steamer "SS Waipara" around New Zealand, before purchasing land and settling with his family in the South Island.

Today the descendants of Charles Bascand own vineyards in outstanding grape growing regions of Marlborough and Waipara, producing premium wines under the Bascand label.

The stylized ship motif of a bygone area on the label of each bottle of Bascand wines bears tribute to the wisdom and foresight of Master Mariner Charles Stephen Bascand.

Bascand Estate was first established on 25 hectares of prime Marlborough land, renowned for its gold medal winning wines. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes of superb quality are produced at the Marlborough vineyard of Bascand Estate Rapaura.

Bascand Estate then purchased a share in a further 25 hectares of outstanding grape-producing land in Waipara, North Canterbury. Award winning Riesling and Pinot Gris wines are produced from established vines well suited to the Waipara climate and limestone soils.

Bascand wines are crafted by winemaker Scott Berry at Waipara Downs Winery. Scott trained in viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University and then spent a year in Loire Valley France, learning the art of traditional French wine making.