54 | Pioneering history of Kinross In early 2013 the property was purchased by Christine and John Erkkila. Kinross T T Richard Loader REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nestled in Central Otago’s famed Gibbston Valley, Kinross embraces the land’s pioneering history and delivers its visitor a unique cellar door experience, offering wines from six exceptional wineries within the region. Encompassing its own vineyards, bistro/ restaurants, the cellar door and 14 boutique cottages scattered amongst the vines, Kinross sits on 16 hectares that once formed part of Kinross Station. Steeped in history, Kinross Station was established in the 1860’s by pioneering Otago farmer, Thomas Kinross, who also ran a thriving Trading Post and gold agency on the site. In early 2013 the property was purchased by Christine and John Erkkila and together with the fast growing team at Kinross, the couple forged a vision to create a modern and approachable winery/ destination whilst producing wine from the vineyard and paying tribute to the pioneering spirit of Thomas Kinross and his family. “Our name of course is derived from the Kinross family, and from the moment you first arrive at Kinross the pioneering history is all around you,” says CEO Nicky Sygrove. Central to Kinross’ operation is the cellar door, and unlike most vineyards who only sell their own wine, Kinross represents six worldclass local Central Otago wineries, each with its own story to share with its guests. “Our wine partners Coal Pit, Hawkshead, High Garden, Valli and Wild Irishman have fascinating processes, award winning talent and new wines to try every year. “A visit to our vineyard offers guests an experience and discovery of the Central Otago and Gibbston sub-regions that is quite unique. They will enjoy side-by-side tastings of different winemakers’ expressions of our area, each with their own complexities and craftsmanship. “Our internationally qualified Wine Advisors offer guests so much more than a wine tasting — sharing not only the flavours, but also stories and the journey behind our wine partners.” Nicky says the idea of one cellar door offering wines from a range of winemakers is that Kinross becomes a convenient place for visitors to enjoy the world of Central Otago wine in a beautiful setting, enriched by its history. “We are a great option for visitors to Central Otago who are keen on learning about wine but don’t have time to visit multiple wineries in the region. There is such a wide selection of different price ranges and styles, with winemakers that vary from boutique operators through to Valli whose winemaker has won world best Pinot Noir multiple times. “For most of the wine partners that we represent you can see their properties from here, and we can explain where the grapes came from for the wine they are tasting. That’s really special and hopefully people leave feeling they have had a very authentic Central Otago wine experience.” Registered with Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand (SWNZ), a world-leading, industry-wide certification programme led by New Zealand Winegrowers, Kinross produces Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay wines. The SWNZ programme is based on continuous improvement and adherence to recommendations and guidelines issued by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). “Our Kinross wines are sold directly to the consumer, either through the Cellar door, or our Wine Club which has members all around the world, and we also sell to some restaurants.” Kinross is 30 minutes from central Queenstown, 20 minutes from Frankton/Queenstown Airport, and 15 minutes from Arrowtown and is on the Central Otago Rail Trail. Located in Gibbston, Central Otago, New Zealand, Hawkshead crafts Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Rosé wines with intensity and clarity. Get in Touch Renee Shaw 021 183 9327 Renee@hawksheadwine.com Proud Wine Partners at Kinross
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