Award-winning Gibbston Valley Winery 'pops up' at Queenstown Airport

Leading Central Otago winery Gibbston Valley today (June 13 2014) unveiled its first ever pop-up retail store at Queenstown Airport.

Launched in partnership with Queenstown Airport’s duty free operator LS Travel Retail Pacific, the new concept store will initially open for 30 days.

Set in a prime location next to the new café development and by Departure Gate One, the store will operate from 8am to 5pm daily and carry a full range of Gibbston Valley wines to buy with tastings available.

Expertly fitted out by Wanaka Signs with branded artwork by local design company Feast, product will be displayed on wine barrels from the wine cave.

Imagery of the winery and vines completes the fit-out creating a warm and inviting environment which will be manned by two knowledgeable local food and beverage experts.

The store will operate off-licence only and Gibbston Valley is working with LS Travel Retail to implement some duty free for international travellers.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt said the “exciting new venture” perfectly complemented the company’s already extensive food and wine offering.

“In the last 18 months we’ve undertaken a period of expansion, launching A Taste of Gibbston Valley Café & Tasting Room in Arrowtown and the Vintner’s Kitchen at the cellar door. The pop-up concept is rustic, a reflection of place and enables us to showcase our award-winning wines to visitors-and of course locals.”

“Essentially we always want people to experience personally the full Gibbston Valley concept out at the winery, but we appreciate that it’s not always possible. The new airport pop-up store will recreate a small part of what we offer and is extremely convenient for people,” said Mr Hunt.

“Imagine hopping off a plane from Auckland, Wellington or elsewhere and grabbing a few bottles of Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir before you dash to your hotel or stocking up on gifts before you head away home or to visit friends.”

LS Travel Retail Pacific’s General Manager, Duty Free, Ivo Favotto said, “We are excited to be partnering with Gibbston Valley Winery and see this as an excellent opportunity to showcase one of Central Otago’s iconic wine makers to passengers.

“Passengers will be able to taste, and of course purchase the wines. We will also be offering a home delivery service. Visiting Queenstown is all about creating a truly memorable and unique experience, and we hope this offer will add to that experience”.

Queenstown Airport Corporation General Manager of Property Sean Thompson is “delighted” with the pop-up concept, saying it adds to the ambience of the terminal and showcases a uniquely Central Otago experience.

“This partnership between Gibbston Valley Wines and duty free operators LS Travel to create a Central Otago wine-themed pop-up perfectly aligns with our strategy to showcase local businesses that represent the unique character and flavour of the region.

“The shop will provide passengers with a fantastic opportunity to try the region’s internationally-renowned wines and take a little piece of Central Otago home with them."

CAPTION:  Toasting to the success of the latest addition to the retail offering in the Queenstown Airport, the new Gibbston Valley pop-up store.