Craggy Range

Hawke’s Bay

Craggy Range was founded in 1997 by Terry and Mary Peabody, who sought to create a legacy winery focused on single-vineyard wines that express New Zealand’s unique terroirs. Partnering with Steve Smith MW, they searched for the finest vineyard sites, leading them to Hawke’s Bay and the Gimblett Gravels, renowned for its gravelly soils and warm climate.

Craggy Range quickly gained international acclaim, particularly for Le Sol Syrah and Sophia Bordeaux blend. They later expanded to Martinborough, crafting elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The winery is also known for its sustainable practices, striking modern architecture, and a luxury lodge and restaurant that has made it a major destination for wine lovers.
Despite its relatively short history, Craggy Range has firmly established itself as a benchmark for premium New Zealand wine, earning accolades worldwide.

Chief Winemaker

Ben Tombs

Marlborough-born Ben Tombs has been working in wineries and vineyards since the age of 17. After receiving coveted scholarships from the Bragato Research Institute, he embarked on a Bachelor of Wine Science, graduating with an Academic Excellence Award from the Eastern Institute of Technology. He is currently nearing completion of a Master of Business in Global Management and Marketing.

Before his tenure at Craggy Range, Ben gained extensive experience in various renowned wine regions, including Burgundy, Oregon, Yarra Valley, Hermitage, and the Hunter Valley. He was awarded the New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year in 2020.
Ben joined Craggy Range in 2021 and became Chief Winemaker in November 2023; his ongoing pursuit to push the boundaries for improving wine quality and the emphasis on custodianship have set him apart in the industry.

Best Sites, Sustainably Managed

Craggy Range sources grapes from two prestigious wine regions – Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough, each offering unique terroir characteristics that shape their wines.

The Hawke’s Bay Gimblett Gravels are renowned for their free-draining stony soils, which retain heat, aiding ripening. There are long sunshine hours and cool nights, encouraging optimal fruit development. By contrast, their Te Muna Road vineyards in Martinborough sit on more complex soils, and has a cooler, dry climate, with strong diurnal shifts, which helps the elegance and aromatic intensity of wines.

In addition, Craggy Range is very committed to managing the land sustainably, and are focused on improving the health of their vineyards, and wider environment. They have embarked on the largest biodiversity project in the New Zealand wine industry, planting over 50,000 native trees and plants in and around our Te Muna Road vineyards.