u r t o r y
At that time, grape plantings in Central Otago were showing promise, as were cherries. The romance of grapes won out and with the help of Greg Hay (at that time with Peregrine Wines) we set about planting a vineyard. It was almost impossible to know whether this was a viable economic proposition and there were some significant set-backs but slowly the vineyard progressed to the point of producing high quality fruit, particularly the Pinot Noir for which Central Otago is now world famous. The fruit largely still goes into the Peregrine stable of wines, apart from a small amount, chosen from the very best grapes in the vineyard, and crafted by local winemakers for the DUNBAR ESTATES label.
Our Story
o w I t A l e g a n
Dunbar Estates has grown from very simple beginnings. We found ourselves in the fortunate position of being able to purchase 9ha of bare land on the Cromwell-Wanaka road in 2000. This is now our Shine Basin Vineyard. Our motivation stemmed largely from our love of the natural beauty of Central Otago and in particular, John’s desire to be able to ‘walk’ on a piece of land. We also respect the land in the sense we like to see it used wisely, productively and left in a better state for future generations. We have some degree of creativity in the sense of enjoying the challenge of seeing what we can create from a parcel of land.
Having holidayed in the Top of the South at Kaiteriteri for many years, we were well familiar with the Motueka Valley. In fact, the Motueka Valley had been one of John’s favourite cycle routes for years. In 2017, the opportunity arose to purchase a second property with vineyard at Ngatimoti. The motivation was as previously. We could see potential in the property and could not resist the temptation to see what we could create. It had a vineyard of 3.3ha of established Pinot Gris, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. It also bordered on a beautiful patch of native forest, much to John’s delight. The fostering of native tree regeneration on the property has become one of our prominent underlying goals.
We recognise the privilege and responsibility we have in caring for these properties. Our greatest pleasure comes from sharing them with others in whatever way the individual appreciates, whether that be in wine or food or more simply in the ability to relax in a tranquil place, enjoy the views, feel connected to nature and top up important reserves of emotional and spiritual health.
Our people
e u K y P o p l e
Founder & Owner
John Dunbar
Originally from Christchurch John now works in Dunedin as an orthopaedic surgeon. Prior to commencing medical school, John completed an agricultural science degree at Lincoln University, and he has always had a deep love of the land and the natural world around us.
Executive Director
Jennifer Dunbar
Jennifer has a background in sales and marketing and a passion for music. She is a piano teacher, choir accompanist and chorister. Jennifer’s family have holidayed at Kaiteriteri – a short 30-minute drive from their Ngatimoti vineyard – every summer for the past 50+ years. The Dunbar family joined them there in the early 1990’s when their two sons Andrew and Nicholas were babies.
café Managers
Joanna & Adrian
Joanna and Adrian have been managing the Dunbar Estates Ngatimoti Cellar Door and Café since 2019. Many locals will recognise them from when they used to own the Mapua Bakery and they haven’t lost their baking skills yet! Adrian looks after the food, which is all freshly made on-site, while Joanna is in charge of wine tastings and front of house.
Viticulture Manager
Sean Guildford
Sean has managed Shine Basin Vineyard in Central Otago for 16 years and provides a consultation service to vineyard staff at DUNBAR ESTATES at Ngatimoti. His absolute passion for producing the finest grapes is evidenced in the high quality or wines produced from the vineyard.
Groundsman
Stephen Rice
Steve aka ‘Field Officer Rice’ has worked on both properties but more particularly as our loyal groundsman at Ngatimoti. He keeps himself busy in his semi-retirement mowing the grass, tending trees, keeping weeds in check, assisting with harvesting olives, grapes, fruit and helping out with almost every activity
John Dunbar
Founder & Owner
Originally from Christchurch John now works in Dunedin as an orthopaedic surgeon. Prior to commencing medical school, John completed an agricultural science degree at Lincoln University, and he has always had a deep love of the land and the natural world around us.
Jennifer Dunbar
Executive Director
Jennifer has a background in sales and marketing and a passion for music. She is a piano teacher, choir accompanist and chorister. Jennifer’s family have holidayed at Kaiteriteri – a short 30-minute drive from their Ngatimoti vineyard – every summer for the past 50+ years. The Dunbar family joined them there in the early 1990’s when their two sons Andrew and Nicholas were babies.
Joanna & Adrian
café Managers
Joanna and Adrian have been managing the Dunbar Estates Ngatimoti Cellar Door and Café since 2019. Many locals will recognise them from when they used to own the Mapua Bakery and they haven’t lost their baking skills yet! Adrian looks after the food, which is all freshly made on-site, while Joanna is in charge of wine tastings and front of house.
Sean Guildford
Viticulture Manager
Stephen Rice
Groundsman
Steve aka ‘Field Officer Rice’ has worked on both properties but more particularly as our loyal groundsman at Ngatimoti. He keeps himself busy in his semi-retirement mowing the grass, tending trees, keeping weeds in check, assisting with harvesting olives, grapes, fruit and helping out with almost every activity
The Land
i n d f u l n s s o f t h e E n v i r e t
Wine is very much a product of the natural world in which it is created, influenced by the people who work the vineyard and craft the wine. We speak of terroir and when we drink wine we taste the terroir. At DUNBAR ESTATES we are very conscious of our role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural world and are working hard to enhance the health of the land and environment. We are encouraging native forest regeneration alongside the grapes at the Ngatimoti property. In 2021 we have installed sculptures to remind us of the interconnections between all parts of the land and the natural world. These depict the story of Tane, the God of the forest, nourished by Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother beneath his feet, holding aloft Ranginui, the sky father. In achieving this separation, light was able to flood the world and allow living things to flourish.
Wine is very much a product of the natural world in which it is created, influenced by the people who work the vineyard and craft the wine. We speak of terroir and when we drink wine we taste the terroir. At DUNBAR ESTATES we are very conscious of our role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural world and are working hard to enhance the health of the land and environment. We are encouraging native forest regeneration alongside the grapes at the Ngatimoti property. In 2021 we have installed sculptures to remind us of the interconnections between all parts of the land and the natural world. These depict the story of Tane, the God of the forest, nourished by Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother beneath his feet, holding aloft Ranginui, the sky father. In achieving this separation, light was able to flood the world and allow living things to flourish.
