The Story of Destiny Bay Wines — A Journey, a Discovery and the Pursuit of Perfection
The true story of an impossible place, improbable odds, and how a small Waiheke wine estate challenged the world’s greatest Cabernet blends — and earned its place among them.
Forged in Fire Live Events
Michael F. Spratt is taking Forged in Fire on tour across six cities in New Zealand and Australia (TBA). Join him for an evening of stories from Destiny Bay, signed copies of the book, and a tasting of Destiny Bay wine.
Eighty million years in the making. When Ann and Mike Spratt stood on a hill on Waiheke Island a quarter century ago, they didn't see a vineyard — they saw a quirk of nature: a north-facing, amphitheatre-shaped valley that could trap and reflect heat. They were told that making world-class Cabernet blends in New Zealand was a fool's errand, and that the standards they set for themselves were commercially reckless. They did it anyway.
For more than twenty-five years, the family-owned Destiny Bay pursued a single goal: a Cabernet blend that could stand beside the world's best — abandoning entire vintages outright when they fell short, whatever the financial cost. Today its wines are rated by internationally respected critics alongside — and at times above — some of the world's greatest Cabernet blends. Forged in Fire is the story of how a New Zealand family challenged centuries of convention — and earned its place among the world's great Cabernet producers.
Where to Buy
Hardback — New Zealand
Aotearoa Books → · Book Hero
Hardback — International
For delivery to Australia or other international destinations, contact us directly →
eBook
Amazon Australia & New Zealand →
Also available on Amazon: US · UK · Canada · Japan · India
Praise
"Forged in Fire is far more than a conventional winery history — a highly personal account of obsession, place, family, science and the moral discipline required to pursue excellence without compromise."
— Merle Hinrich, Chairman, Hinrich Foundation
"A great story of vision and commitment resulting in a truly world-class wine. The Spratts are to be congratulated on an outstanding achievement."
— Sir Ralph Norris, KNZM
"I like the writing style — evocative stuff!"
— Bob Campbell, Master of Wine
Book Details
Author: Michael F. Spratt
Publisher: Mary Egan Publishing
Publication Date: 1 September 2026
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-991436-17-7
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-991436-22-1
Format: Hardback, 224 pages; also available as an eBook
Recommended Retail Price: NZ$40
About the Author
Michael F. Spratt, Ph.D., is a co-founder, director and proprietor of Destiny Bay Wines and a past President of the Waiheke Winegrowers Association. He also served for three years on the board of New Zealand Winegrowers. Before turning to viticulture, he built a career in global business consulting at PwC, Mercer Consulting Group and Hay Management Consultants, and holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is also the author of Grape-A-Hol and Five Frogs on a Log.
