Cottle Hill Winery

Cottle Hill Winery: Boutique Wine Making with a View Location and History Nestled amongst the green hills of the Bay of Islands region, Cottle Hill Winery in Kerikeri, New Zealand is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the best in boutique wine-making.

The winery was founded in 1996 by Michael and Barbara Webb, who fell in love with the stunning location after sailing to New Zealand from San Diego. Cottle Hill Winery is located on a picturesque hillside, providing visitors with a beautiful view of the vineyards as they sample the fruits of the Webbs' labor.

The Wines and Tastings

The Webbs tended to the grapes for 23 years, producing a range of excellent reds and whites that reflect their attention to detail and passion for quality. Guests can indulge in tastings and experience the winemaking process, first hand. The cellar door is now closed except by appointment, so visitors should make sure to call ahead to schedule their visit. The wines are described as delicious and reasonably priced-- the perfect combination for travelers interested in enjoying local wine with a great value proposition.

New Offerings

Although the vineyard has scaled back on the production side, the Webbs' entrepreneurial spirit is as strong as ever. Guests can now enjoy a gin made from grape spirit and 12 secret botanicals. The gin is fast becoming a hit with lovers of carefully crafted spirits, and visitors to the winery can get in on the action by tasting the gin and purchasing a bottle to take home as a unique souvenir.

How to Get There and When to Go

Getting to Cottle Hill Winery is a breeze-- it's located just off State Highway 10, making it a convenient stop for visitors to the region. We recommend scheduling your visit with the winery, as the cellar door is open by appointment only. Peak season for the vineyard is from October to April. This is when the weather is warm and dry, and the grapes are ready for harvest. That said, the vineyard is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year.

In Summary

Cottle Hill Winery is a perfect destination for visitors who wish to experience boutique winemaking in a gorgeous location. There are opportunities to indulge in tastings and experience the winemaking process, as well as the new-added attraction of the delicious gin made from grape spirit and 12 secret botanicals. Visitors can arrange to purchase both the gin and wines, either online, or during their appointment. The winery is conveniently located off State Highway 10 with a stunning view of the vineyards. We recommend scheduling your visit with the winery and visiting during the peak season for the perfect experience.