Hermit Ram

North Canterbury, New Zealand

The Hermit Ram is the Canterbury-based project of winemaker Theo Coles, focused on expressing a truer sense of New Zealand terroir. Founded in 2012, the wines move beyond familiar stylistic clichés, instead reflecting limestone soils, cool climates and a strong maritime influence, often showing salinity and depth. An ex-ecologist, Theo works with organically farmed, no-till vineyards across the Canterbury region, prioritising healthy, living soils. In the cellar, intervention is minimal but done thoughtfully and with intention, with natural fermentations, extended élevage and judicious sulfur use for stability. The resulting wines are textural, expressive and deeply drinkable—among the most compelling artisan wines to emerge from New Zealand.