Gunn Estate spreads along the northern banks of the Ngaruroro River at the foot of the Ohiti Valley. Just across the river is the Gimblett Gravels sub region, and Gunn Estate shares many of the terroir characteristics that have built a huge international reputation for this small slice of Hawke's Bay.
In 1920, when George (Poppa) Gunn arrived here from Roxburgh in Central Otago, this was a farming region where great skill and experience were required to compensate for the poor soils and rather dry conditions. For more than 60 years, the Gunn family poured hard work and determination into the mostly unreceptive ground.
Then during the early 1980s, Alan Gunn - George Gunn's eldest grandson - suggested that the family's land had the potential to become one of the country's finest vineyards. Forward thinkers had just begun to grow classic varietal grapes in Hawke's Bay, so his hunch was not without foundation.
In 1983 the Gunn family planted their first vineyard and soon became suppliers to many high profile winemakers in the Hawke's Bay region. Gunn Estate grapes were consistently utilised for top flight wine ranges.
With their wine growing reputation improving every year, Alan and younger brother Denis turned their attention to the development of their own wine label - a brand that would express the essence of the Ohiti Valley area. Their dream became a reality in 1994, when the first wine was released under the Gunn Estate name - an unoaked chardonnay.
Today, Gunn Estate produces a range of wines - some from carefully selected vineyards around New Zealand, others from the winery's spiritual home, the Ohiti Valley. All Gunn Estate wines reflect the passion and determination of the three generations of Gunns who have lived, loved and worked their estate since 1920.
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