Ohinemuri Estate

Horst and Wendy Hillerich bought their Karangahake property in 1989, with the intention of establishing their own boutique winery and restaurant.

German born, Horst, trained in the Rheingau region of Germany. He studied further in Wurzberg and worked in different regions of Germany and Switzerland before coming to New Zealand for a five week holiday in 1987!

Something about the country held his attention, as he forwent his return ticket and took up residence.

He met Wendy in 1988 and a year later they discovered their property in the beautiful Karangahake Gorge. They began winemaking immediately in the garage on the property and converted the hayloft into their tasting room. This opened to the public in December 1990.