LITTLE BIG WOLF STARTED WITH A FAMILY + THEIR PASSION FOR WINE, A SPECIAL DOG and A SMALL BOY WITH SO MUCH TO GIVE TO THE WORLD.
{Inspired by a true story}
About
Our label is a passion project inspired by our son, Cooper, who has Usher's Syndrome. We're dedicated to crafting exceptional New Zealand wine that tell our story and support Usher's Syndrome awareness. Each bottle reflects our journey and commitment to quality vino, from vineyard to glass.
By sharing our wines, I hope to raise awareness and funds for research, creating a brighter future for Cooper and others like him.
Cheers to delicious wine and a great cause!
THE WINE.
Nestled in the picturesque Awatere Valley of Marlborough, our vineyard is the heart and soul of Little Big Wolf . Here, we grow the vines on the family property, which produce the fruit which will then become our wine. With our first harvest having taken place in March 2024, we look forward to our first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc late 2024, with the wine looking to be a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate.
Our wine tells a story of extraordinary friendship and resilience, inspired by the bond between a boy and a wolf. Little Big Wolf invites you to savour life's precious moments , no matter where your journey takes you.
Join us in celebrating the little moments and the strength found in every sip.
Our Journey with Usher’s Syndrome
Giving birth to our little boy, Cooper, was one of the most intense and emotional days of my life. After a long, exhausting labour, I finally held our perfect son in my arms, feeling both utterly spent and completely liberated. As I looked at him, I felt an instant, fierce protectiveness. I thought the hardest part was over, but I had no idea what was to come.
Cooper failed his initial hearing screening, but we were reassured it was just mucus and would clear up. Two weeks later, another test at the hospital led to a referral for an ABR test. Despite passing a clap test, I remained hopeful but anxious. When the audiologist told us Cooper had moderately severe hearing loss, my world shattered. The diagnosis felt like a nightmare, and I was overwhelmed with guilt and fear for his future.
The days that followed were filled with tears and relentless Googling. The term "incurable" haunted me. I felt utterly isolated and unprepared. Our first ENT appointment was disheartening, and I left determined to find someone who could offer us hope. Eventually, we found a supportive ENT and started the long journey of genetic testing.
At three months, Cooper got his hearing aids. Unlike the joyful videos I had seen online, Cooper screamed at the sound of my voice. It was heartbreaking, but over time, he adjusted. We read to him constantly, determined to help him catch up. It was exhausting work, but seeing him adapt made it all worthwhile.
Just as we were finding our rhythm, we received more devastating news: Cooper had a gene associated with both hearing loss and progressive blindness. I felt crushed all over again. The thought of him losing his sight was unbearable.
Despite the bleak outlook, I couldn't accept there was nothing we could do. I researched tirelessly, looking for clinical trials and emerging treatments. Slowly, Cooper started to talk, and each word felt like a miracle. These small victories gave us hope.
One day, sitting on the beach with Shaun, Cooper, and our huskies, I felt a wave of gratitude. I realized we had the strength to fight for Cooper, to seek out treatments, and to give him the best life possible. We were ready to face the future with hope and determination, knowing we could overcome anything together.
We’d love to connect.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have a story or a passion to share—whether it’s about food, our wine, or a connection with Usher’s Syndrome—please get in touch and join our journey.