Gibbston Valley Winery opens its own General Store

Media Release from Gibbston Valley Winery
21 December 2012

Gibbston Valley Winery opens its own General Store

A Queenstown winery renowned as one of the oldest in the district and a hugely popular visitor destination is bringing a taste of yesteryear to its products by opening an ‘old style’ General Store.

Gibbston Valley Winery has today (Friday December 21) opened The General Store, harking back to the gold mining era complete with rustic and recycled furniture, recreating the inviting and well-used atmosphere of stores of old.

The General Store’s beautiful Kahikatea rough-sawn floor is complemented by the solid timber main shop counter that rests on top of old Gibbston Valley Winery barrels.

A mix of products are displayed on a collection of original kitchen and farm homestead tables, while cupboard fronts on shelving are fashioned from weathered and worn original Gibbston Valley Homestead chicken coops.

Dotted among the displays are multi-coloured honey bee hives – a distinctive feature in the Central Otago landscape.

The General Store occupies a 45sqm space in an existing building next to the Gibbston Cheesery and opposite the winery courtyard, cellar door and restaurant.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt said the store, featuring interior design under the direction of Terence Vallelunga, aimed to be an attraction in its own right.

“We want to provide a retail experience that is inviting and relaxing, and imbues Southern hospitality,” he said.

“We really wanted to have it open in time for the busy summer period in order to give people a reason to linger longer at Gibbston Valley Winery, with a place where they can browse in comfort.”

The General Store will sell a wide range of artisan and homeware products, preserves, jams, herb rubs and other treats from the kitchen of Gibbston Valley Winery chef Mark Sage, to confectionary, Kiwiana wine products, books, wine, clothing and kitchenware.

“As with the old-style stores, it will feature a really eclectic mix of goods,” said Mr Hunt.

“Our existing award-winning wine and food products, cave tours, the beautiful location, close proximity to Queenstown and Arrowtown and our easy road access with ample parking make Gibbston Valley Winery a very popular choice, especially for those who may only have time to visit one winery in the area.

“The General Store only adds to that, offering a better, more enjoyable retail experience.”

Gibbston Valley winery has just launched a new tasting room in Arrowtown, located in the historic BNZ building on the main street.

Mr Hunt said ‘A Tasting of Gibbston Valley Winery’ was intended to “whet people’s appetite” to visit the winery itself.

Gibbston Valley Winery is also home to New Zealand’s largest and innovative wine cave, available for wine tours, private functions, weddings and special occasions and the Barrel Room for C&I functions and weddings.

ENDS

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