Christopher Keys
Christopher Keys brings a combination of experience, youth and adventurous artistic flair to the winemaking at Gibbston Valley Wines.

Christopher has worked in premium wineries around the world. Beginning in Hawke’s Bay is something he is fighting hard to amend. There his legacy of eight years of toil was Hawke’s Bay’s first International Gold Medal winning Pinot Noir, and a broken down Ford Escort 1.3L.

But it was the opportunity to work for Gibbston Valley that really caught him. Intrigued by the energy of the place, the spectacular vineyards and incredible wines, took up the Central Otago lifestyle with aplomb. Since 2006 he has been the Gibbston Valley winemaker – and yes, he knows he has big boots to fill…

His respect for terroir and site diversity launched Gibbston Valley into the realm of single vineyard wines, with the critically acclaimed Expressionist Series wines, and the first single vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir. This is his focus and passion.

Sascha Herbert, winemaker
Originating from Australia, Sascha developed the infectious joy of toiling amongst vineyards from her father and uncle. In her quest for the ultimate working lifestyle, Sascha threw herself into a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) from the University of Adelaide 2001-2004. Her vast practical experience throughout Australia, New Zealand and Europe has complemented her academic grounding, including work with Weingut Hirsch, Kamptal, Austria; Fattoria Mancini, Le Marche, Italy; Haselgrove Wines, Mclaren Vale, South Australia; and Akarua Wines, Bannockburn, Central Otago.

In search of the ultimate Pinot Noir Winemaking post, Sascha’s unique talents were brought to the attention of Gibbston Valley Wines. Sascha says she is exhilarated by experiencing the daily challenges that working with winemaker Christopher Keys and the Gibbston Valley team brings.