Rooted in Land, Family, and Legacy
Hopping Estate Wines was established in 2019 when local Franklin property valuer Andrew Hopping returned to his roots—transforming a piece of cherished family farmland in Waipipi into a boutique vineyard. What began as a passion project has since grown into a symbol of heritage, quality, and connection—producing small-batch wines that celebrate the land, the people, and the stories behind them.
Meet Andrew Hopping
A lifelong resident of Waiuku and Waipipi, Andrew grew up on the family dairy farm alongside his siblings, Ken and Sandra. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Valuation and Property Management at Lincoln University, Andrew returned to the region that shaped him.
Today, he divides his time between his professional work as a local property valuer and his growing role as vintner. Deeply involved in the Franklin community, Andrew has long-standing ties to the Kohekohe Hockey Club, Counties Manukau Hockey Association, and Counties Tennis Association. His passion for the land and strong sense of local identity are the driving forces behind Hopping Estate Wines.
From Pasture to Vineyard
100 Years of History
1920
Andrew’s family has been part of Waipipi’s local history for over 100 years. In 1920, Andrew’s grandfather on his mother’s side, Herman Ernest Coffin, purchased land on Creamery Road.
1961
In 1961, Charles Edward Hopping – Andrew’s grandfather on his father’s side – purchased land at the corner of Awhitu Road and Gordon Road, and established a dairy farm, which was then transferred to Andrew’s parents, Charles and Hazel Hopping. Over sixty years later, the farm is still in family ownership.
2019-2020
In 1970, Andrew’s parents, Charles and Hazel Hopping, purchased a grazing block on Gleeson Road for dry stock grazing. Fifty-five years later, part of the land is still in family ownership to this day. In 2019-2020, the land was converted to a boutique vineyard, coming to life with the planting of Syrah and Pinot Gris vines in 2019, and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2020.
A Taste of Franklin in Every Bottle
Each Hopping Estate Wines’ wine is a reflection of our land’s unique character, and our commitment to crafting wines that speak of place. Grown on our family vineyard in Waipipi, overlooking the Waiuku River, our Syrah, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-harvested and produced in small batches to preserve quality and authenticity.
Our vineyard’s cool coastal microclimate, combined with careful vine management and minimal intervention winemaking, allows us to produce wines that are elegant, expressive, and distinctly Franklin. From earthy reds to crisp whites, every drop tells the story of the land it came from—and the hands that shaped it.