Warren Gibson is one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers. Though he has somehow managed to fly somewhat under the radar, one look at his CV and you’ll know exactly who he is. Warren went to Massey and then, like many of our fine winemakers, graduated from Roseworthy. He began winemaking at Morton Estate with John Hancock, so he knows how to make a good Chardonnay. Stints overseas included vintages in a variety of countries, before a return to NZ in 1997 to work with John at Trinity Hill. While John Hancock has now moved on, Warren remains at Trinity Hill making the wine.
Warren launched his next label, Bilancia, from his home in Hawkes Bay. A joint project with Lorraine Leheny, the Bilancia range sits among the very best in New Zealand. Then there are the wines from Lehney Gibson, Warren and Lorraine’s side-project in Australia’s Yarra Valley, centred around Chardonnay. Winemaker Lorraine Leheny is from Melbourne, which has enabled them to access winemaking assistance (it’s a big commute from Hawkes Bay) and source grapes.
Alongside all of this, Warren has recently taken on the job of consultant winemaker at The Landing. He is also the current Chair of the NZ Wine of the Year Awards, having taken over the reins from Michael Brajkovich MW. Considered the pinnacle event for our local wines, it’s a huge nod to Warren’s expertise and an indication of the high regard out there for his winemaking talents.
