A 30-Year Love Affair with Treviso
Sir John Kirwan’s connection to Italy began three decades ago when he moved there to play and coach rugby. He settled in Treviso, a charming town in Northern Italy’s Veneto region. His wife was born there, his children grew up there, and it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the local landscapes, food, and viticulture. Moving away from his roots—which he jokingly compares to his dad’s butchery back in Mangere—Kirwan realized that the precipitous slopes and gentle hillsides of Veneto held a winemaking magic he needed to share with his home country.
Handpicked Bottles, Deeply Rooted in Tradition
Rather than buying a standard single vineyard, JK14 operates by partnering directly with local, passionate Italian artisans and winemaking families. Each bottle in the collection is handpicked to express the authentic heritage of its region.
The curated portfolio primarily highlights the Veneto region, alongside selections from Toscana and Emilia Romagna. Key offerings include:
- The Stars of Veneto: Crisp, zesty Pinot Grigio, elegant Labano Prosecco, and full-bodied reds like Amarone della Valpolicella.
- The Italian Tradition: The crowd-favorite “Ombra” Prosecco, named after the Venetian tavern tradition of sharing “two shadows” (small glasses of prosecco) with a friend.
- The Historic Rarities: Malanotte Piave, a deeply intense red crafted from the ancient, robust Raboso grape in partnership with the Casa Roma winery.
Beyond spectacular wines, the brand also imports luxury Italian pantry staples, including extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and artisanal pastas.
Bringing the Dolce Vita to New Zealand
Operating out of Auckland, New Zealand, JK14 is fundamentally a family business focused on authentic Italian hospitality. Their mission is simple: to introduce Kiwi wine lovers to the diverse flavors, centuries-old techniques, and vibrant stories of Italian wine culture.
Whether you are uncorking a bubbly Prosecco for a summer afternoon or decanting a heavy Amarone for a winter dinner, JK14 brings a genuine taste of the Italian dolce vita straight to your table.
