Winemaker takes on GM role at Coal Pit

Central Otago winery Coal Pit has appointed its winemaker Anika Willner as General Manager, bringing the vineyard, winery and wider business under her leadership.

Coal Pit says the new position will see her lead the wider direction and day-to-day management of the family-owned Gibbston estate.

Coal Pit owner Rosie Dunphy says the role of General Manager and Winemaker formally recognises the role Willner has grown into since joining the company in 2018 – guiding the development of its wines and deepening its commitment to organic farming.

“Anika knows every aspect of Coal Pit from the ground up. She has cared for this vineyard and the creation of its wines with extraordinary energy and vision. Just as importantly, she understands what makes Coal Pit special – our beautiful site and soils, which, together with Anika’s drive and attention to detail, allow Coal Pit to consistently produce wines of the highest quality.”

Originally from Ohio, Anika Willner brought extensive international experience to Coal Pit, having worked across South Africa, Germany, Tasmania, Oregon, Burgundy, California and Marlborough before making Gibbston her home.

The appointment comes at an important stage for Coal Pit, following continued investment in the vineyard and winery, the introduction of new Central Otago single-vineyard wines and the establishment of Chardonnay on the Gibbston property.

Alongside her work at Coal Pit, Anika Willner chairs New Zealand’s Organic, Regenerative and Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference and serves as the New Zealand representative for The Porto Protocol, an international wine-industry climate action organisation.