Convinced the unique temperature and environment in New Zealand’s Central Otago region
provided the ideal setting for successful wine production, Alan saw real potential in the Gibbston location.

Most locals thought he was crazy and doomed to failure – planting grapes surrounded by
snow-capped mountains in the world’s southern-most vineyard. But the vines survived and those
early vintages were better than he had hoped for. Alan had merely intended to indulge his passion
for winemaking as a hobby, but now he was sure that there was serious wine to be made here.

Through Alan’s vision and commitment, Gibbston Valley Wines was born, releasing the region’s
first commercial wine in 1987. Alan’s hobby had become a commercial venture, and that venture
has now become a world-renowned industry.