GREYSTONE

Influential Wine Magazine Decanter recognises Greystone as one of New Zealand’s Top 20 wineries.Alongside that, winemaker Dom Maxwell was named by Winestate magazine as New Zealand’s winemaker of the year in 2012. And this year, Greystone was awarded the Trophy, Champion at The International Wine Challenge 2023 for #1 Organic Winery in the World. The kudos for this gem of a winery in our South Island’s Waipara Valley just keep arriving.

Situated on the Omihi Hills, the farm was purchased in 2000 by Kiwi, Peter Thomas, and his American wife Debbie. They set out to realise one goal: to produce exceptional wines that expressed the unique terroir of the site. Founding Viticulturist Nick Gill helped them plant thirteen blocks across the slopes. Winemaker Dom Maxwell was then tasked with realising their potential.

Greystone is certified organic and is well along the regenerative journey. You’ll find sheep mowing the ground under the vines, replacing the need for high-emission, high-cost diesel vehicles or tractors. In order to do this, the vines are trained higher to keep the grapes out of reach. This innovative approach allows Greystone to reduce emissions by 40 percent.

The approach to winemaking at Greystone is a naturally inspired, minimal intervention one involving hand picking and wild fermentation; the result is delicious, inspiring, texturally rich wines, all of them vegan friendly.