Labyrinth Wine Cellars

Ariki (Rick) Hill, a New Zealand native commenced his winemaking career whilst working fulltime in the the 1980's.   After his career took him to the Middle East, Rick returned to Australia where he completed his studies in oenology at Charles Sturt University in 1992.

Rick's passion is Pinot Noir and a wine internship opportunity brought him to Santa Barbara County, California, where he was perfectly situated to work on his obsession.

In 2000, he founded Labyrinth and produced his first commercial vintage sourcing fruit from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard from the Santa Maria Valley A.V.A.

The following year, he teamed up with friend, mentor (and now wife) Lane Tanner.  In 2002 Labyrinth produced its inaugural vintage in the Yarra Valley, Australia, exclusively Pinot Noir. 

In 2007, Rick expanded the Labyrith wine portfolio to include full-bodied red wines, sourced predominately from the Paso Robles wine region under the HAKA label.

Eddie and Stephanie Schwartz met in the early 1990's at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he studied biochemistry and she studied nutrition.

After graduation and a brief stint in the first Gulf War, Eddie settled down in Thousand Oaks, CA to work in the pharmaceutical industry.  Stephanie soon followed and worked in the dental field.  In 2003, Ed earned an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

It was their passion for travel that led to numerous trips to wineries and their growing love of wine.  In 2010, they decided to follow their passion and get into the wine industry.  They met Rick, found a kindrid spirit, and were blown away by every wine he made.  They became part of the ownership team in 2011. 

Eddie and Stephanie can often be found in the Labyrinth tasting room in Ventura California pouring wines and talking wine.