Coal Pit Vineyard

About Winery and Wines

Family owned Coal Pit covers 12 hectares of land on the warm north-facing slopes of Gibbston, the highest sub-region in Central Otago. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc vines were first planted in 1994 on the glacially formed schist based soils, with a mix of clones on own roots for added complexity and balance. The Coal Pit vineyard typically yields intensely aromatic wines with strong minerality and is run in accordance with the proactive environmental management programme, Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Owner, Rosie Dunphy's decision to construct a 30 tonne winery in 2007 was integral in shifting the boutique vineyard's focus towards premium quality and allows ultimate control from vine to wine. Situated in the heart of the Coal Pit vineyard, the building faces north toward the Crown Range Mountains and the Kawarau River and comprises a cellar door, a temperature and humidity controlled barrel room, laboratory, meeting rooms and a loft apartment. Coal Pit is one of the few single vineyards in Gibbston where the grapes are grown, handpicked and crafted into wines on site.