The Tinpot Hut story began in 2003 when winemaker Fiona Turner and her husband Hamish established their own 20-hectare vineyard in Marlborough’s emerging sub-region of Blind River. Fiona named the project after a historic Marlborough mustering hut, the ‘Tinpot Hut’, linking the area’s sheep farming past with its current state as one of the world’s most dynamic wine regions. Fruit for the Tinpot Hut wines is sourced from Fiona’s ‘Home Block’, supplemented by grapes from carefully selected vineyards. Fiona is assisted by Matt Thomson (of Blank Canvas), a friend and colleague with whom she has worked for many years.

Tinpot Hut’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of fruit from Blind River, which contributes mineral and crushed herb characters, and the Lower Wairau, which imparts lovely tropical flavours. The Pinot Gris, also from Blind River, shows fragrant aromas of spice and pear, with underlying notes of brioche and stone fruits, and has a textured body and lingering finish. Tinpot Hut also produces two single-vineyard wines. The ‘Turner Vineyard’ Riesling, sourced from Fiona’s eponymous home block, is made in a lower alcohol style, with flavours of lime, grapefruit and a distinct mineral finish reflective of the Blind River sub-region. The ‘McKee Vineyard’ Grüner Veltliner is also a Blind River wine with notes of white peach and subtle peppery spice.

Equally fresh and pure, the Pinot Noir has intense aromas of black cherry, supported by hints of plum and redcurrant. Structurally, the tannins are soft and silky, with well-balanced acidity ensuring excellent length and weight.