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Puriri Hills

Our Story

OUR SHARED GOAL: To make wines that stand alongside the best wines in the world and yet are uniquely of our place.

Puriri Hills makes luxurious blended red wines inspired by the grand crus of Pomerol and St Émilion, on the right bank of Bordeaux, France. From inception Puriri Hills was created as a premium quality “estate-bottled” production winery. All phases of wine making occur on our property in Clevedon. Wines are grown, made, bottled and stored in temperature controlled cellars on our property.

The first 4 acres of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (later discovered to be Carmenère) were planted in 1997 with additional half acres of other varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc) added in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Puriri Hills produced their first handmade, blended red wine in 1999 on site in temporary facilities. The construction of a dedicated winery began in March 2004 with the 2005 vintage becoming the first to be produced in the newly completed winery.

We make no apology for our unwavering focus on quality. The greatest gift from this focus is that we make impressive wine in all vintages and spectacular wine in outstanding years. It enables us to create a lasting relationship with our customers allowing them to cellar, savour and enjoy our wine over many years.

Media

"Puriri Hills just might be New Zealand’s best-kept wine secret. As the founder, Judy Fowler, says “… we make impressive wines in all vintages and spectacular wines in outstanding years.” Elegant and very collectable reds that are clearly built to last."
– Bob Campbell MW on The Real Review's #1 ranking of Puriri Hills as NZ Winery of the Year 2020

"Surprisingly more accessible than the more firmly structured Harmonie du Soir label and the entry-level Estate label, this is elegance on a grand scale with a truly impressive depth of dark berry, floral, violet, spice and subtle savoury and dried herb notes. It's a wonderful demonstration of power delivered with great subtlety. A generously proportioned wine that promises to be a long-distance runner."
– Bob Campbell MW on the 2013 Pope, rated 99 points

"Puriri Hills is truly different from other New Zealand producers. A Bordeaux blend specialist, it releases its wines five to eight years after the vintage, ensuring that the newly launched wines are ready to drink upon release."
– Rebecca Gibb MW in Decanter Magazine

"A reflection of the excellence that 2013 gifted us in New Zealand. Complex and lengthy finish. A true investment wine likely best from 2030."
– Cameron Douglas MS on the 2013 Pope, rated 98 points

Our Wines