30/06/2025
Hailing for New Zealand, Matt and Steve Harrop own Amen Break.
Steve is based in North Otago’s Waitaki Valley, not far from Central Otago sites that supply pinot noir for their Amen Break label. With decades of vineyard development and wine making experience, Steve has a sharp eye for sourcing the right fruit at the right price- a skill that’s earned him quiet legend status in the trade.
Matt lives in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges where he grows grapes for his family label, Silentway - named in tribute to In a Silent Way, Miles Davis’ quietly powerful 1969 album. Many will know Matt as Th e long-time winemaker at Shadowfax and Curly Flat, admired fir making wines that balance effortless drinkability, ageability and with depth and detail.
The name? It’s a nod to the most sampled drumbeat in history.
In 1968, The Winstons released Amen Brother - and tucked in the middle, a 6-second drumbeat by Greg Coleman - now known as the Amen Break. It didn’t chart at the time but the beat went on to be sampled by legends the likes of NWA, David Bowie, Public Enemy, The Prodigy, Amy Winehouse, Carl Cox and Oasis.
The track accompanying this post, Amy Winehouse’s ‘You know I’m No Good’ features the beat.
For more information and tasting notes about the wines go to the link in the bio.
