Trinity Hill
Summary
Trinity Hill, a medium-sized producer established in 1993 and now owned by New Zealand investors, cultivates 80 hectares across Hawke's Bay with particular focus on Syrah and Bordeaux varieties grown in the free-draining alluvial soils of the Gimblett Gravels district. Under Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson's guidance since 1997, the winery combines traditional methods like open-top fermentation and indigenous yeasts with sustainable practices, helping establish Hawke's Bay as a premier wine region through consistent quality across their tiered portfolio.
Heritage & Leadership
Trinity Hill was established in 1993 by wine industry veterans John Hancock, Robert and Robyn Wilson, and their business partners. The winery's founding followed John Hancock's extensive experience in New Zealand's wine industry, including his pioneering work at Morton Estate. The name "Trinity Hill" references the three hillside vineyards initially planted by the founders in the Gimblett Gravels area of Hawke's Bay.
In 2021, Trinity Hill underwent a significant ownership change when it was acquired by New Zealand investors Owen Glenn and Mike Smith. This transition maintained the winery's New Zealand ownership while bringing fresh investment to the operation. The winemaking team is led by Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson, who joined Trinity Hill in 1997 after gaining international experience in Australia, Hungary, Italy, and France. Gibson works alongside Winemaker Damian Fischer to maintain Trinity Hill's production standards.
The winery's first commercial vintage was released in 1996, marking the beginning of their commercial presence in the New Zealand wine landscape. Their early focus on Syrah and Bordeaux varieties helped establish Trinity Hill as a significant producer in the Gimblett Gravels wine growing district.
Vineyards & Wines
Trinity Hill's vineyard holdings are concentrated in Hawke's Bay on New Zealand's North Island, with a particular focus on the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. The winery manages 80 hectares of vineyards, with significant plantings in the Gimblett Gravels, an area characterized by its distinctive free-draining gravel soils deposited by the historic Ngaruroro River.
The Gimblett Gravels vineyards feature alluvial soils with varying depths of gravel, sand, and silt deposits over red metal alluvium. These soils, combined with the region's warm climate and long growing season, create ideal conditions for Bordeaux varieties and Syrah. Trinity Hill's vineyards are planted with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and smaller plantings of varieties like Viognier, Tempranillo, and Arneis.
The winery produces several distinct wine collections, including their flagship Homage Syrah, the premium Gimblett Gravels range, and their approachable Hawke's Bay series. The Homage Syrah, first produced in 2002, represents the pinnacle of their production and is only made in exceptional vintages. The Gimblett Gravels collection showcases the distinctive character of this unique terroir through varietal wines and blends.
Philosophy & Practice
Trinity Hill's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the distinctive character of Hawke's Bay terroir while maintaining balance and structure in their wines. The winery employs both traditional and modern techniques, adapting their approach to each variety and vintage conditions.
For red wine production, Trinity Hill utilizes open-top fermenters for Syrah and Bordeaux varieties, allowing for gentle extraction of color and tannins. Fermentation typically occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the winery employs both pump-overs and hand plunging for cap management. Their premium reds undergo extended maceration to develop structure and complexity before aging in French oak barrels.
White wines are whole-bunch pressed to minimize phenolic extraction, with fermentation occurring in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels depending on the style. The winery's Chardonnay undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is aged on lees to develop texture and complexity.
Trinity Hill implements sustainable vineyard practices under New Zealand's Sustainable Winegrowing certification program. Their vineyard management focuses on maintaining vine balance through careful canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal fruit ripening. The winery's approach to sustainability includes water conservation measures, integrated pest management, and the use of cover crops to enhance soil health and biodiversity.