Puriri Hills

Puriri Hills was established in 1996 as a privately owned vineyard founded by Judy Fowler, who is the owner and winemaker. The winery takes its name from native Puriri trees growing on the property. In 1999, Puriri Hills produced its first handmade blended red wine on site in temporary facilities. Construction of a winery began in March 2004, with the 2005 vintage becoming the first to be produced in the newly completed winery.

The property is located in Clevedon and encompasses 93 acres with 5.5 acres of vines. The first 4 acres of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, later discovered to be Carmenère, were planted in 1997, with additional half acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc added in 1998, 2000, and 2001. Puriri Hills maintains an estate-bottled production where all phases of winemaking occur on the property in Clevedon. Wines are grown, made, bottled, and stored in temperature-controlled cellars on site.