Our story

Our History

After searching the world for the perfect place to grow cool-climate wines, the Thomas family established the Greystone Vineyard on the slopes of the Teviotdale hills in the Waipara Valley in 2004.

We planted 39 hectares of the 153 hectare property of predominantly north-westerly facing land, concentrating on matching blocks with clones and varieties. There were many options with a range of altitudes from 60m to 150m above sea level and soil profiles from light clays through to those rich in limestone content.

While Pinot Noir makes up over 60% of the plantings we could see the potential for other varieties in the region  and planted blocks of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and even a small block of Syrah.

Our Team

Our viticulturist Nick Gill planted the vineyard and he hired Dom Maxwell initially to assist in planting the vineyard. 

Saying that “great wine is made in the vineyard” doesn’t explain the importance of a synergistic relationship between the person growing the grapes and the person making them into wine. Both have to truly understand each other’s roles, have respect for them and share the same vision for the finished wine.

Our Successes

Congratulations Dom!  Winestate Magazines New Zealand Winemaker of the Year 2011

Dom has been awarded New Zealand Winemaker of the Year at the annual Winestate Magazine awards held in Auckland on Tuesday 8 November.  Doms success is due to his outstanding Aromatics including Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Rielsing.  A more in depth profile of Dom is to be published in a special edtition of Winestate Magazine by Michael Cooper, coming soon.

Just seven years after establishing the vineyard Greystone was named one of New Zealand’s Top 20 Wine Estates in Decanter Magazine. We have also won international trophies for our Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and our Pinot Noir.

We are often asked about the secret of our success, and the answer is a great synergy between people and the place. We have a significant commitment and connection to this piece of land. We acknowledge those who have come before us, and see ourselves only as the current caretakers of this unique place.

We invite you to come here, find out more about us, and understand why we have such a strong “sense of place”.