Tell me about Millton winery — history and latest news
June 6, 2026
I asked Claude about Gisborne's Millton winery — its pioneering biodynamic history and the big news that the 2025 vintage was its last.
Great winery to ask about, and there's some significant news here.
The history
James and Annie Millton established their vineyard in 1984 on the banks of the Te Arai River near Manutuke in Gisborne, on a site where early settlers had planted grapevines back in 1871. Annie's father had developed vineyards at Opou in the 1960s, and the couple returned to Gisborne after gaining experience at Champagne Bollinger, Maison Sichel in Bordeaux, and Weingut Kurstner in Rheinhessen.
They became New Zealand's first certified organic and biodynamic winery at a time when that was a lonely position. James is considered one of the original biodynamic winegrowers globally and the instigator of the practice in the Southern Hemisphere. Their philosophy was firm: no cultured yeast, chaptalization, or acidification — letting wines become what they were meant to be.
Their flagship was the Clos de Ste.-Anne, named for Annie. It started with chardonnay and pinot noir planted in 1980, later adding chenin blanc, syrah, and viognier, with individual blocks named Naboth's Vineyard, The Crucible, Les Arbres, and La Bas.
The latest news
This is a big one. After more than 40 years, Millton announced that their 2025 vintage was their last. James and Annie have decided to retire, themselves and the vineyards. James had already stepped back from the business a few years earlier, with son Sam continuing for a time before departing for Wellington.
Annie's parting words were generous: they leave behind a legacy of innovation and authenticity, and they feel they are leaving the land in a better state for future generations.
Bottles from the estate will no doubt become more collectible now that production has ceased — a key piece of New Zealand's wine history.