About Us

Our history

TitleAs holiday locals in Bannockburn for over twenty years, Graeme and Gillian observed the establishment of vineyards and enjoyed the impressive new Central Otago wines. The decision to develop their own vineyard and make their own wine was a natural step, and when land in Domain Road became available to purchase, discussions with local winemakers and viticulturists provided evidence that the Domain Road location had exciting potential for great grapes and fine wines.

Transforming the Domain Road site from an apricot orchard into a vineyard began in 2002, with the first planting of Pinot Noir grapes completed in 2003. Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling varieties were planted successively in 2004 and 2005. Holidays in Bannockburn became working holidays as the young vines were planted, became established, and were nurtured through their first productive season, with the first small harvest of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Rosé in the exceptional 2006 vintage.

The vineyard now covers most of the small valley, and is next to the local camping ground, popular with holiday makers to Central Otago.

Bannockburn was an important settlement during the gold rush of the 1860s, and the vineyard overlooks an historic area known as ‘The Sluicings’ which features some stunning land formations that are a legacy of the gold mining activity.

A section of the vineyard land has been mined for gold, and the Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling grapes are thriving here. The Pinot Noir has been planted on an area that has yet to be mined, and may still contain gold! The historic rammed earth gold miner’s cottage built during the 1880s by one of the property’s first owners has been restored and improved during 2006.

Graeme has a keen interest in historical vehicles, and was keen to preserve and have restored the two tractors originally purchased with the vineyard property. Also working on the vineyard are two Series One Landrovers (Harry and Ron) which he has restored. Currently under restoration is a 1950 ‘O’ series Bedford truck, which will be used during harvest to transport bins of grapes to the winery.