In 2000 the Thomas Family purchased a farm on the Omihi hills and began work to create the Greystone vineyard. By 2004 with the help of Viticulturist Nick Gill they’d planted 13 blocks across the Omihi slopes. Dom Maxwell became their winemaker leading a team in the pursuit of realising the potential of this exceptional site. The north facing limestone hills slope down to clay – the perfect combination for growing wines with minerality and concentration.

Greystone draws its name from the unique limestone conglomerate that we find as the bedrock on which our vine roots grow in. Pinot Noir famously loves soils with limestone and thus different clones, aspects and blocks were planted to see what was capable from this bare land. As the soil changes down the slope Chardonnay and Riesling are also planted. Further on the flat are Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc which thrive in the tough dry clays and gravels of North Canterbury.