Craggy Range Wines

Terry Peabody, a highly accomplished businessman from the United States, first gained recognition by building a global empire in waste management and transportation. His operations spanned the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. However, his journey into winemaking began on a more personal note. Over a family dinner, his wife, Mary, and daughter, Mary-Jeanne, persuaded him to create a family business designed to endure for generations. As a result, Peabody embarked on a new venture in 1993, this time focusing on the world of winemaking.

Seeking the Extraordinary

Peabody’s ambition went beyond simply investing in an existing vineyard. Instead, he aimed to pioneer something entirely new. Initially, his searching for uncharted viticultural territory led him to explore the vineyards of America and France. However, this quest ultimately brought him to New Zealand and he discovered his first opportunity in the Gimblett Gravels district of Hawke’s Bay.

In fact, his exploration extended to the Te Muna Road Vineyard in Wairarapa, near Martinborough. It was here that the Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard was born. A wine that quickly gained acclaim for its minerality and intensity, characteristics attributed to the region’s unique terraces and cool climate.

Sharing a Vision

In 1997, Peabody joined forces with Steve Smith, a Master of Wine, to establish Craggy Range Winery. Together, they anchored their operations in Hawke’s Bay, at the architecturally stunning Giant’s Winery near Te Mata Peak.

Importantly, their shared vision focused on selecting prime vineyard land, planting low-yielding vines suited to each site, and integrating traditional and innovative winemaking practices.

The Portfolio

From the stony, warm soils of the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay to the volcanic, clay soils of Te Muna Road in Martinborough these exceptional vineyards produce wines with amazing aromatics, purity and complexity.

Excellence is at the heart of Craggy Range and the family has an aspiration to become one of the leading producers in the world – and they’re well on their way to achieving that aspiration. Craggy Range was named the best vineyard in Australasia and the eleventh best vineyard in the world.

Although Craggy Range has experienced remarkable growth and earned numerous accolades, it remains deeply committed to the creation of wines which

truly evoke the unique landscapes and heritage of the region.

It has developed into an iconic New Zealand winery that has never lost sight of its sense of place, or its family ties. Heavily invested in social and environmental sustainability, they are certified by SWNZ and have created initiatives such as the Children’s Christmas Foundation.

Looking to the Future

Today, Craggy Range stands as a testament to Peabody’s family ambition and New Zealand’s winemaking potential. More than just a vineyard, it represents a legacy rooted in excellence, innovation, and deep respect for the land.