The Kaikoura Wine Company opened 29 October 1999 for tours and tastings. The company was founded by a direct descendant of Luke and Anne Abraham, the first Europeans to settle on the Kaikoura flat. The winery is situated on the limestone bluff just south of Kaikoura Township.
The winery offers magnificent views of snow-capped mountain ranges and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, as well as provides an informative tour of the vineyard, winery and underground cellar.

Established in 1998, the company has seven shareholders, all uniquely involved in the company from designing the label to project management. Kaikoura Wine Company has an unmistakably Kaikoura identity with its label reflecting the natural beauty of the Kaikoura region, where mountains meet the ocean.

The grapes for the current vintage were grown in Marlborough, where free-draining soil combined with favourable climate produces wines of unique character and distinction.

Five hectares of vineyard have been planted immediately surrounding the winery and sales area, with the main varieties being Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gewrztraminer. Trial blocks of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling will also be established.

The winery is modern, small and will have the capacity to crush, press and ferment 150 tonnes.

The "terroir" is unique to New Zealand with a limestone seam, similar to some Californian vineyards, running through the length of the property. Further contract growers will be established on the inland stony, free-draining soils of the Kaikoura flats.

With a stable temperature of around 12C, the wine cellar will provide an excellent environment for barrel aging the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as offer guests a unique setting for tasting and experiencing the flavours of the home label. The natural limestone caves of Kaikoura provided the initial concept for the underground cellar.

The sales area is perched near the edge of the bluff overlooking South Bay, where dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the blue green Pacific.