Nestled within the heart of New Zealand’s acclaimed Hawke’s Bay wine region lies a viticultural gem – Gimblett Gravels. This unique terroir, characterised by its ancient riverbed gravel soils, has captured the imagination of wine enthusiasts worldwide. At Trinity Hill Winery, we’re proud to be part of this storied landscape, crafting wines that reflect the distinctive essence of Gimblett Gravels.
Gimblett Gravels owes its name and distinctiveness to the gravelly soils deposited by the old Ngaruroro River over 200 years ago. Comprising a mix of gravel, sand, and silt, these free-draining soils provide ideal conditions for viticulture. The gravelly terrain absorbs heat during the day, radiating it back to the vines at night, aiding ripening and intensifying flavour development.
In addition to its unique soils, Gimblett Gravels benefits from a favourable microclimate. Sheltered by surrounding hills and influenced by cooling maritime breezes, the region enjoys warm, sunny days and cool nights during the growing season. This diurnal temperature variation prolongs the ripening period, allowing grapes to achieve optimal flavour maturity while retaining refreshing acidity.
Trinity Hill’s journey in Gimblett Gravels began with a vision to harness the potential of this remarkable terroir. Since our establishment, we have been dedicated to producing wines that exemplify the character and quality of this renowned wine-growing district. Our three estate vineyards – 125 Gimblett, Gimblett Stones, and Gimblett Estate – are all located within the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District. Each vineyard site is carefully selected to showcase the diversity and complexity of this unique terroir. From the stony soils of Gimblett Stones to the sheltered warmth of Gimblett Estate, each site imparts its own distinct character to our wines.
The story of Gimblett Gravels is one of innovation and resilience. Once regarded as barren unusable farmland, this area has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the pioneering spirit of visionary individuals like Chris Pask and Dr. Alan Limmer. Against all odds, they recognised the potential of this unique terroir and planted the first vineyards in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite facing challenges such as legal battles and opposition to viticultural development, these trailblazers persevered, laying the foundation for Gimblett Gravels to become one of the world’s most esteemed wine-growing regions. Today, their legacy lives on through the exceptional wines produced by Trinity Hill and other esteemed producers in the district.
The accolades garnered by Gimblett Gravels wines are a testament to the region’s exceptional quality and reputation. Since the formation of the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association in 2001, wines from this district have received numerous domestic and international awards, including over 1000 gold medals and 345 trophies. At Trinity Hill, we take pride in our commitment to excellence, striving to craft wines that honour the legacy of Gimblett Gravels and showcase the unique terroir of this extraordinary district. From our flagship red blends to our single vineyard expressions, each bottle embodies the spirit of innovation, passion, and dedication that defines Gimblett Gravels.
We invite you to discover the essence of Gimblett Gravels through our award-winning Gimblett Gravels, Single Vineyard and Homage wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of New Zealand wine, Trinity Hill offers a journey of discovery, where every sip reveals the rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and textures that define this remarkable terroir. Join us as we raise a glass to Gimblett Gravels – a place where history, innovation, and passion converge to create wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
