About Us
Folding Hill Wine Company is owned and run by the Kerruish family. Tim and Nikki met in the North Island 30 years ago where they were both working as doctors, but they soon fell in love with the incredible wine and stunning landscapes of Central Otago. The first vines were planted in late 2003 and since then, Tim and Nikki have produced a lot of grapes and 4 children, Matthew, Mollie, Hannah and Izzy.
From the moment we arrived at Folding Hill we have taken a single minded approach to producing the very best Pinot Noir possible from our special part of the world.
Advised by legendary Central Otago viticulturist Robin Dicey, planting of our first vines commenced in late 2003. We carefully selected Pinot Noir clones, and rootstocks, proven locally to make wines with complexity, flavour, balance and length and have done everything possible to ensure the vines have been able to reach their full potential. We strongly believe that low yields are of paramount importance in creating outstanding Pinot Noir and we manage our vines intensively through the growing season to ensure crop levels are around 3.5 - 4.5 tonnes per hectare.
In 2016 we planted an acre of Chardonnay and we are absolutely delighted that it is producing top class fruit with our debut vintage being made in 2020. All the fruit for our wines is sourced from our Biogro certified organic vineyard in Bendigo.
In The Vineyard
In The Winery
Our approach to winemaking is based on the traditional philosophy and practices of the 'Old World'. We believe that hand picking optimally ripe fruit and then gently guiding it through vinification with as little intervention as possible allows us to produce elegant wines with flavour and structure that authentically reflect the special place they come from - wines that really are "Handmade from Central Otago"
Harvesting is done entirely by hand. This allows us to be scrupulous in our rejection of any unsuitable grapes, ensures that only the highest quality fruit is used and creates a more personal bond with the winemaking process. Bunches are fully destemmed and berries fermented whole in small (3000 litre) fermenters using wild and innoculated yeasts. Our different clones are treated separately throughout winemaking and elevagé to allow the assembly of a final blend that combines texture, structure and flavour.
After many years of experience our choice of barrel is now Francois Frere Medium Toast. Using a mix of new and old barrels we find these have consistently produced the best wines across all clones. Wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Pinot Noir 2020
"Only 300 cases were made of the 2020 Pinot, another typically calm and reserved wine from this understated set-up. Controlled and calm with admirable earthiness underpinning the silky, ripe fruit, this wine is as far removed from the ‘paint box’-scented, jubey-fruit, black-hued wines found in big brand portfolios. Relaxed and even, this is a gastronome’s Kiwi Pinot, and its lack of obvious exuberance allows us to focus on its origins and sensitive viticulture. This is a wine made by people who care about what they make and the palates for whom they make their wines, and it shows."
- Matthew Jukes
read our accolades
Chardonnay 2021
"I’m telling you right now, the vertigo-inducingly steep, sun-baked slopes of the zero-humidity sub-region of Bendigo is my new chardonnay spot to watch. While Tim Kerruish, his wife Nikki and their Folding Hill team are new to chardonnay, (their first vintage was the 2020) this second vintage has them looking like total pro’s. Erupting with melon, citrus and apple intensity on the nose, followed by a lick of roast peach, grilled grapefruit. taut, toasty oak and refreshing, nutty notes to finish. Great energy and textures make this a chardonny that’ll absolutely reward some quiet, cool sleepy time in the cellar until 2026. Yum!"
- Yvonne Lorkin
Cellar Release 2014
"This yet to be released Pinot Noir is fantastic! Tasted over 2 days the wine begins to relax and open out on day 2. Aromas and flavours of savoury plum and cherry, fine dried herbs link to the polished firmish tannins and lively balanced acid line. Flavours of berries and red stone fruits, barrel spices and layered mouthfeel coating the palate front to back are a key feature. As the wine continues to open up and the development of complexities and fruit, baking spices and mouthfeel begin to unfurl I am confident this wine will be even better in 5 if not 10 years from now. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036."
- Cam Douglas
96 Points
Available exclusively to Cellar Club members.
Next Generation
The kids have grown up amongst the vines and have a deep love for the special place that is Folding Hill. Matthew was there for the very first harvest while the girls have picked plenty of grapes in the past few harvests. They are beginning to take on more active roles in the business with Matthew now running our UK tasting events and the girls showing a real flair for marketing.
