Forged in Fire, Michael F. Spratt
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
1 September 2026
Hardback, 224 Pages, RRP $40.00
ISBN: 978-1-991436-17-7
The extraordinary true story of the small New Zealand vineyard and winery that challenged the world's greatest Cabernet blend producers—and won.
Most people assume the world's greatest Cabernet Sauvignon blends can only come from Bordeaux, Tuscany, California or Australia. For more than twenty-five years, one small, independent, family-owned vineyard and winery set out to prove that one of the great Cabernet blends in the world could be produced in a place most considered impossible: Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Forged in Fire, published on 1 September, tells the extraordinary true story behind Destiny Bay Wines, whose Cabernet blends have been consistently rated by internationally respected critics alongside, and frequently ahead of, many of Bordeaux's First Growths, Italy's legendary Super Tuscans, and the cult Cabernets of California and Australia. It is one of New Zealand's most remarkable stories of vision, perseverance and achievement.
This is not simply a story of a vineyard and winery. It is the story of an impossible place, shaped by an extraordinary geological history over the past 80 million years. It is the story of improbable people who refused to accept conventional wisdom. It is the story of scientific discovery, relentless experimentation, financial risk, family sacrifice, humour, heartbreaking disappointment and unwavering conviction.
When entire vintages failed to meet the quality standard the family had set, they were abandoned. The result is a story that reaches far beyond wine: about curiosity, resilience, and what the pursuit of perfection really requires and costs.
And ultimately, it is about how a small New Zealand family challenged centuries of convention, and succeeded.
Reviews
“In a word, ‘brilliant’. Mike Spratt’s Forged in Fire delivers an unparalleled look into the development of a world-class vineyard and the production of exceptional wine… A spanking good read and, more than that, an education in what makes a great wine. I can unreservedly say you will not be disappointed.”
Jon Turnbull, Managing Director, Typhon Holdings Limited
”Forged in Fire is far more than a conventional winery history… It succeeds because it is not simply about wine. It is about what happens when capable people encounter a rare place and decide that ‘good enough’ is not good enough.”
Merle Hinrich, Chairman, Hinrich Foundation
“What a fascinating read… Very easy for the casual reader to gain a real insight into the industry and its many obstacles and triumphs. I haven’t read a book in one sitting for years.”
Chris Hammond, retired Marlborough and Waiheke Island grapegrower
“An entertaining travel tale, a business case study on entering a new agricultural profession, the science of winemaking, and the stewardship of the vineyard for future wine enthusiasts.”
Steven Small, Director, Zephyr Human Performance Systems, Medtronic Corp.
“A compelling story brought to life with brilliant narrative. It’s a great wine story, but it’s not really a wine book. A world-class enterprise built from an improbable starting point.”
Tab Bowers, Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company
About the Author
Michael F. Spratt, Ph.D., is a co-founder, director, and proprietor of Destiny Bay Wines Ltd. A respected leader in the viticultural community, he served for three years on the Board of New Zealand Winegrowers, representing the interests of over six hundred small-scale producers, and is a past President of the Waiheke Winegrowers Association.
Before turning his expertise to the vineyard, Dr. Spratt established a distinguished career in global business consulting. He was a partner at PwC and previously held partner-level roles with the Mercer Consulting Group and Hay Management Consultants. His academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from San Jose State University.
An accomplished author, Dr. Spratt has published two acclaimed books: Grape-A-Hol, an incisive look at how corporate interests impact artisan winemaking and the future of fine wine, and Five Frogs on a Log, a CEO’s field guide to accelerating the transition in mergers, acquisitions, and gut-wrenching change.
Destiny Bay is a tiny corner of Waiheke Island, New Zealand – gently contoured like an ancient amphitheatre with a maritime Mediterranean climate, producing acclaimed Cabernet blends.
For media enquiries, interview requests, or further information, contact:
Ella Meckel-Kritos, Destiny Bay Wines
09-600-2050
ella@destinybay.co.nz
www.destinybaywine.com
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