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CONTACT US

  • THE WINERY - ARROWTOWN
  • 27 Ramshaw Lane
  • Arrowtown
  • (03) 428 2572
    • THE WINERY - QUEENSTOWN
    • 7-9 Ballarat Street
    • Queenstown
    • (03) 409 2226

THE WINERY

When we opened The Winery in central Queenstown in May 2005 we were one of the world's first and largest wine tasting experiences. With a focus on bringing the best of New Zealand wine to one location, The Winery's reputation grew and in 2019 we were recognised by TripAdvisor in the World's Top 10 wine experiences People's Choice Awards.

In February 2020 The Winery opened a second store in Arrowtown, taking the experience to the next level with more whisky and gin tastings, our famous cheeseboards with a new tapas menu and a decor designed for the relaxation and comfort of our customers. Do come and visit us and check out our website at The Winery

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Frenchmans Hill Estate

Frenchman’s Hill is owned by Luc and Anna Desbonnets. In 1989 Luc travelled to France staying 7 years to learn the culture and complete a degree in winemaking and viticulture in the Medoc appellation area of Bordeaux.

Returning to New Zealand in 2000, in 2005 Luc acquired “the perfect red wine site…” on Waiheke Island, now known as Frenchmans Hill Estate. In 2006 he planted the vineyard upon its steep northern facing slopes. The impoverished sandy/gravelly clays of Waiheke are ideal viticultural soils to work with and are superbly suited to the production of truly cellar-worthy complex reds that will evolve favourably over time.

Luc steadfastly follows the techniques learnt whilst working in the 'grand cru' appellations of Bordeaux and Burgundy. He believes with the right sites and an uncompromising approach toward yields, vine and soil management, New Zealand matches it with many of the world's greatest wines.

The 8 Vineyard was named primarily after the eight varieties planted upon it - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Tannat, Viognier and Kolor. The figure 8 is also represents the continuous annual cycle of the vines and the vineyard is set up with the number 8 as its guide - 8 vines between each post, 8 rows under each net, 8 vats made from each vintage…..a little superstition from the winemaker whose key focus is terroir.