Source: Gibbston Valley
Wine tourism and experience leader Gibbston Valley is celebrating the 30th birthday of its iconic Wine Cave this weekend.
Completed in 1995, the immersive Gibbston Valley Wine Cave has welcomed more than one million visitors and is renowned for igniting the region’s prosperous wine tourism industry.
Gibbston Valley executive managing director Cristina Griffith says the 75-metre-long Wine Cave is a testament to the wine label’s pioneering spirit.
The Wine Cave – a visionary idea by Gibbston Valley founder Alan Brady – was formed between 1993-1995 by blasting a 1400-cubic-metre hole into the side of a schist mountain with 1.5 tonnes of explosives. It was also a pivotal moment for Gibbston Valley owner Phil Griffith, as his first ever investment into the wine brand was a contribution towards the then-$1 million required to create the cave.
“We’re very excited to be celebrating this significant milestone with our community and friends this weekend,” executive managing director Cristina Griffith says. “The Wine Cave is a wonderful place to explore and taste wine, as well as being the birthplace of some of the most exceptional organic wines in the world – as well as wine tourism in Central Otago. It’s been the setting for everything from marriage proposals to business deals – some big life moments and memories for a lot of our guests over the years.”
To mark the occasion, Gibbston Valley has partnered with local artist Holly Schröder to create a unique art installation in the Wine Cave, and will host live music from local artists in the Cellar Door courtyard from 12-4pm on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Locals are invited to enjoy the summer vibes by stopping in at the Winery Restaurant for lunch, or a tasting in the courtyard.
Today, the Wine Cave serves not only as a flagship attraction of the multi-award-winning winery, but a functional storage space where 400 oak barrels can perfectly mature pinot noir and chardonnay.
“The Wine Cave provides the ideal environment for the barrel-ageing process,” adds Griffith. “While the summers are hot and the winters are freezing, the Cave remains a naturally constant temperature of 14˚C and 80% humidity to produce exceptional wine. It’s not just barrel storage; it’s a critical part of our wine production – it’s where they go and do their thing and is how we get to pour the magic that ends up in a glass.”
This weekend’s celebrations top off a highly successful year for the organic wine and experience brand, which is now under the leadership of Griffith. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Key, placing the Lodge among just 19 properties in NZ recognised for delivering “a very special stay” by Michelin’s global hotel inspectors.
It was also named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa 2025’ by the World Spa Awards, further enhancing the brand’s expansion into luxury hospitality alongside its renowned heritage wine offering.
In addition, Gibbston Valley’s coveted 2023 China Terrace Pinot Noir was awarded Champion Pinot Noir & Gold winner at the 2025 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards.
About Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley is Queenstown’s leading wine and experience destination. The award-winning Gibbston Valley Wines is a premium organic wine brand, and its Cellar Door and Wine Cave are among the Southern Lakes’ top visitor experiences. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers luxury accommodation and a renowned day spa, named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for six consecutive years. The soon-to-open Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse will further enhance the curated wine and hospitality destination, set in the heart of the beautiful Gibbston Valley. www.gibbstonvalley.com
