As Gibbston – the region –has developed so too has award-winning organic wine brand Gibbston Valley – the place. 

Under the guidance of Phil Griffith and his family for more than 20 years the next generation is now in charge of elevating the Gibbston Valley experience.

Gibbston Valley executive managing director Cristina Griffith, and daughter of Phil, has spent much of her life learning about the brand. Now, she is harnessing her insider knowledge to enhance Gibbston Valley as a key Queenstown attraction. 

“Wine is our foundation but our story is always evolving. This place is extraordinary and we try to capture its beauty in every encounter we offer from wine tastings in New Zealand’s largest wine cave and decadent escapes in our luxury lodge to treatments in the day spa and relaxed rounds on our new golf course.”

Cristina is joined by expert winemaker Christopher Keys and hospitality leader Ashling Swirtz, and together the trio are trailblazing a new path for Central Otago wine and cuisine. The Gibbston Valley restaurant has recently welcomed a new head chef, Robert Rietveld, who has put a personal spin on the autumn menu.

On the other side of State Highway 6, opposite the winery, the Gibbston Valley Golf Club has recently opened. Designed by Kiwi golfing legend Greg Turner the immaculate nine-hole, par 32 golf course is complemented by an elegant new clubhouse featuring a restaurant, gymnasium, heated pool, jacuzzi and pro shop.

“The idea of a golf course had been floating around our family conversations for more than a decade,” says Cristina.  “We’ve spent years imagining what it could be and quietly backing that vision with a huge amount of care and commitment.”

That same care and commitment has been extended to the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, recently awarded a prestigious Michelin Key for its luxury hospitality. The accolade places the lodge among only 19 properties in New Zealand recognised for delivering “a very special stay” by Michelin’s global hotel inspectors.

“A visit to Gibbston Valley is an enlightening experience and we encourage our guests to indulge in life’s natural delicacies and take the time to relax and connect,” she says. “It’s truly a place to taste, stay, play and delight.”

Wine is still the highlight of a visit to Gibbston Valley with the BioGro certified organic wine brand specialising in high-energy, dynamic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Methodé Traditionelle. 

“We’re very excited to be releasing our new Dangerous Curves Pinot Noir this autumn,” says Cristina. “The vineyard is in Gibbston and sits astride a long curve. More importantly, it gets a lot of afternoon and evening sun so the wines are alluring, silky and all curves.”