Located in the heart of Gibbston, the world’s southernmost wine region, Kinross offers boutique cottage accommodations, all-day dining, wine tastings, and unique wine experiences.
They proudly serve as the cellar door for six world-class, boutique wineries, Wild Irishman, Valli, Coal Pit, Hawkshead, High Garden, and their own Kinross label—most of which are their neighbours, with vines just a stone's throw from Kinross. Their wines capture the essence of the Gibbston and Central Otago terroir, and they’re excited to share them with you.
If you're a Central Otago wine enthusiast, you’ve found your haven.
Their roots run deep at Kinross, located on the historic Kinross Station, established in the late 1860s by Thomas Kinross, a pioneering Otago farmer. Today, they honour his legacy with their dedication to quality and community.
Christine and John Erkkila took over the vineyard in 2013, carefully nurturing the vines to produce high-quality fruit. Their hard work culminated in the first vintage of Kinross wine in 2018. Their varietals, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer, reflect what makes their valley renowned.
Wild Irishman, the brainchild of wine pioneer Alan Brady and Brian Shaw, is all about passion, purity, and the rich storytelling that Central Otago wines are known for. With Alan’s deep-rooted wisdom and Brian’s drive, Wild Irishman wines are as captivating as they are delicious—a true reflection of the rugged Central Otago landscape.
Valli’s Gibbston vineyard, located next door to Kinross, produces some of the best Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the region. Renowned winemaker Grant Taylor, a legend in Central Otago Pinot Noir, leads Valli with a passion for capturing the distinct character of Otago’s subregions. Together with Jen Parr, they create wines that embody intensity and purity, pushing the boundaries of what Otago wines can achieve.
Coal Pit Vineyard is a small but mighty player in Central Otago, with a winery on-site. Their warm, north-facing vineyard specialises in exceptional Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Just five minutes from Kinross, Coal Pit is a single vineyard where the grapes are grown, picked, and crafted on-site to express the pure essence of Central Otago terroir. With owner Rosie Dunphy and Head Winemaker Anika Willner at the helm, Coal Pit focuses on quality and sustainability.
Situated on the hill just above Kinross, Hawkshead is a ‘Single Estate’ vineyard known for its award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. The vineyard’s work is carried out by hand, combining old-world winemaking secrets with a vibrant New Zealand twist. Hawkshead is also on the path to organic certification, reflecting their commitment to sustainable practices.
High Garden is a gem tucked away on the Gibbston back road, producing exceptional single-vineyard wines, especially a Pinot Noir that truly captures the terroir. Led by vigneron and Master of Wine Robin Tedder, High Garden brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Central Otago wine scene. Robin has been crafting outstanding wines since 1993 and is the only Master of Wine in Central Otago, making his contribution to their region invaluable.
At an elevation of 420 to 490 meters, High Garden is Gibbston’s highest vineyard, benefiting from long sunshine hours and unique soil composition. The vineyard is dry-farmed, allowing for the production of small, concentrated fruit that results in exceptional wines.
