Coal Pit Vineyard is located in Gibbston Valley, Central Otago, New Zealand. It takes its name from a nearby historical site which was a familiar landmark for musterers, goldminers and pioneers who, as they passed over the Coal Pit saddle, sourced coal from the pit. The coal was bagged at the pit, loaded on to drays and brought down Coal Pit Road to the valley.
The vineyard was established in 1994. At that time, the north block of the vineyard was planted with 4 hectares of Pinot Noir and 2 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. A further 1.5 hectares of Pinot Noir was planted on the back block in 2000.
The current owner, Rosie Dunphy, purchased the property in 2001 and has since developed it in to a 12 hectare vineyard, still producing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Today, Coal Pit Vineyard is managed by viticulturist Gary Crabbe and the wine is made by Gary’s wife Lynn Horton.
The building of the Coal Pit winery, designed by award-winning architect Chris Kelly, is currently in progress and expected to be completed in May 2008.
A cellar door facility is planned at the winery beginning in November 2008.
