Just over twenty years ago Nick and Robyn Jones ... - Random House

Just over twenty years ago Nick and Robyn Jones were sitting in their Epsom home living a
very different life. Robyn was at university doing a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Nick
was working as an accountant. In their twenties they were living a certain, not unpleasant
life, but neither Robyn nor Nick was looking forward to the path that was opening up before
them. One day what started as a thought was voiced: ‘I wonder if we could ever do something
different to what we are doing now?’
They purchased land on Waiheke and began visiting the property at weekends. Planting, planting,
planting was the never-ending story: planting shelter belts, planting trees, planting vines. Most died,
or were eaten by the neighbour’s cattle, which would periodically escape from their confinements
and feast on all the hard work until they were caught - usually not until the following weekend. One
of the first skills Robyn and Nick developed was how to recognise both a satisfied and guilty look
crossing a cow’s face. Anger management also proved useful later on.
Some time later, a Barn/House/Winery was completed,
built out of mud bricks. Robyn loved the look and feel
and Nick agreed only on the principle that mud brick
buildings do not vary their internal temperature by
more than one degree in any 24-hour period - perfect
conditions for aging and storing wine. The first vintage
was expected in 1996 - three years later.
After a bath in their Mudbrick “barn house” one night,
Nick suggested to Robyn as they sat, sipping wine on
the terrace overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, that they set
up a “café”, to produce food to complement their wines
in one of the best environments on earth. Robyn stated
that if she were to be involved with a “café” it would
have to be a nice one. Nick, as an accountant, could see
that this statement had ramifications...
And so the Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard began.
Part cookbook, part homage to the beauty and appeal
of life on Waiheke Island, A Life at Mudbrick recounts
Robyn and Nick Jones’ extraordinary journey to create
this iconic vineyard and restaurant, now such an
important part of the Waiheke landscape. It celebrates
A Life at Mudbrick
Author: Robyn Jones
RRP: $55.00
Released: 7 September 2012
Imprint: Random House New Zealand
Extracts available. For more information, please contact:
Yvonne Thynne, Random House New Zealand
E: ythynne@randomhouse.co.nz; t: (09) 984 6173
Cont...

“We did not have winemaking or hospitality experience when we began this
venture. We have grown our business with one major philosophy uppermost
in our minds - we operate from a customer’s point of view - and we believe it
works.” - Robyn Jones
the whole of Mudbrick, from its amazing staff and suppliers, to the world-famous restaurant with
its delectable food, the potager garden that supplies the kitchen, and of course the vineyard and its
spectacular, award-winning wines.
A Life at Mudbrick celebrates Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant’s birth, and the ingenuity and
creativity that have seen it thrive, as well as the people who work hard to keep it running. With over
50 recipes from head chef Andreas Lindberg, and stunning photography from Aaron McLean, this
book will have you heading for the ferry terminal so that you too can partake in the world-renowned
experience that is Mudbrick.
Extracts available. For more information, please contact:
Yvonne Thynne, Random House New Zealand
E: ythynne@randomhouse.co.nz; t: (09) 984 6173