bi’lancia Italian. (be-larn-cha) balance, harmony and equilibrium; the scales, of the zodiac (libra).

This is us, Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson (both Librans and both balanced!)

Wine is a journey, not a destination! (Ralph Waldo Emerson—kind of!)

Each of our wine journeys began in different countries, at different times and took a few different routes along the way (Warren - New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, Italy, California, Burgundy, and Lorraine - Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, California) but in 1997 we both reached the fork in the road that brought us to Hawke's Bay and the beginning of Bilancia.

The first vintage for Bilancia was in 1997, making Chardonnay and Merlot, and then in 1998 adding Pinot Gris. There were a few other things along the way. These days we proudly make Hawke's Bay Chardonnay and Syrah (and a very small volume of a field blend white) from either our own vineyard, 'la collina' or showcasing some unique vineyards around Hawke's Bay, highlighting those single vineyard sites.

The 2025 harvest marked the 29th vintage for Bilancia. We are getting old!

 

Warren and Lorraine by Richard Brimer 03/24

Warren Gibson and his partner, Lorraine Leheny, have long been building a reputation for stylish, savory Syrah with their cuvée La Collina. Still, they’ve arrived on the Chardonnay scene as a contender for best producer in the country.

12 April, 2024

Rebecca Gibb, MW.
Vinous.com

Bilancia are one of the greatest of all NZ producers. They bloody get it, is my main comment.

10 July, 2025

Gary Walsh
The Wine Front

The la collina Syrah is without a doubt, New Zealand's greatest Syrah, and it is a gift to the wine world. If it is new to you, make it not so. It ages with grace and ease and will only repay careful cellaring with years of joy in the future. Go slow and gentle.

15 December 2023

Erin Larkin
The Wine Advocate

2024 la collina Syrah

This is a spectacular wine. It's truly great, and not in just in a Hawke's Bay context, nor merely a New Zealand context, but truly great in a global Syrah context. This is a superb example. I love it.

98+

17 March, 2025

Erin Larkin
The Wine Advocate


Bilancia Limited 29/OFF/051/25 18 July 2028

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