CENTRAL OTAGO VINEYARDS AND WINERIES
A selection of some of our favourite Central Otago vineyards and wines. Click on the bottles for more information.
Akarua Winery has rapidly developed a world-wide reputation for producing quality wines. It was established in 1996 by long-time Otago icon Sir Clifford Skeggs and first vintage happened three years later. The region is mountainous, rising to over 2,000 metres and the vines are planted amidst spectacular alpine scenery. Akarua Pinot Noir, noted for its density and flavour concentration, has taken many awards including Wine of the Show at the 2003 Air New Zealand Awards.
Aurum Wines was established by Joan and Tony Lawrence in 2002 to produce premium Central Otago wines. Premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling are grown on Aurum’s two vineyards. The 45th Parallel Vineyard, situated on fluvial glacial terraces below the Pisa Range at Lowburn, was planted in 1997 and 1998. Te Wairere Vineyard 2km from Cromwell was planted in 2001. All Aurum wines are now made from Estate-grown grapes in their Aurum winery. The winery and tasting facility are located on the main road to Wanaka and the West Coast, State Highway 6, 2km from Cromwell township.
Bannock Brae Estate is a small “Mum and Dad” business dedicated to producing the finest Pinot noir wine possible from the terroir of Central Otago. Catherine Brown is the better looking half of the partnership, while Crawford Brown brings a lifetime of experience in beverages to the business. In his previous life, he was Master Brewer (NZ) for Lion Nathan, and prior to that, Speight’s Brewery manager for a number of years.
97% of the vineyard is planted in Pinot noir vines, while the other 3% is Riesling. A philosophy of putting quality first has produced gold medal winning wines. Bannock Brae Estate operates a Cellar Door for tastings and sales at Catherine and Crawford’s home on the vineyard in Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn.
97% of the vineyard is planted in Pinot noir vines, while the other 3% is Riesling. A philosophy of putting quality first has produced gold medal winning wines. Bannock Brae Estate operates a Cellar Door for tastings and sales at Catherine and Crawford’s home on the vineyard in Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn.
The Brennan Family bought the land in Gibbston in 1994 and began establishing the vineyard, planting some of the first vines in this region. For many years, the fruit on the Brennan Vineyards was sold to Peregrine Wines, while Sean was developing his winemaking skills. In early 2006, Sean moved to Gibbston permanently with his wife and family, and launched the Brennan label.
Sean has created Brennan Wines to produce limited quantities of exceptional wine that truly represent what this region has to offer. Their fruit is sourced entirely from the family vineyards and Sean maintains intimate control in the winery.
Sean has created Brennan Wines to produce limited quantities of exceptional wine that truly represent what this region has to offer. Their fruit is sourced entirely from the family vineyards and Sean maintains intimate control in the winery.
Chard Farm was established in 1987 by Motueka brothers Rob & Greg Hay who selected the Chard Farm site after careful evaluation of the peculiarities of grape growing in Central Otago. Rob studied winemaking in Germany for three years before returning to New Zealand in 1985 to search for the "terroir" that best emulated the cool continental climate and soils of some of the greatest wine producing areas of the world. The long term goal being to craft the finest classic cool climate varietal wines of Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
Chard Farm is on the outskirts of Queenstown. The entrance is 100m past the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Bridge with the Winery at the end of a long spectacular driveway
Chard Farm is on the outskirts of Queenstown. The entrance is 100m past the AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Bridge with the Winery at the end of a long spectacular driveway
Since leaving their last roles as winemakers/general managers at the prestigious Tower Estate and Tempus Two wineries in the Hunter Valley, winemakers Sarah-Kate (SK) and Dan Dineen have quietly built a winery, a new home, developed the Maude wine label and started a family amidst the stunning back drop of Lake Wanaka in Central Otago.
It is no surprise to wine industry insiders that their wine, Maude, has become an instant success. Hence 'Maude' was created to showcase the very best of New Zealand's wine growing regions and currently consists of a Central Otago Pinot Noir and naturally, a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and a Pinot Gris.
It is no surprise to wine industry insiders that their wine, Maude, has become an instant success. Hence 'Maude' was created to showcase the very best of New Zealand's wine growing regions and currently consists of a Central Otago Pinot Noir and naturally, a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and a Pinot Gris.
With founding vineyards established in 1992, Mt Difficulty owns some of the oldest vineyards and is one of the most respected wineries in the Central Otago region of New Zealand's rugged South Island. Situated in Bannockburn, a unique and rare area of extremes, Mt Difficulty has harnessed the once brutal terrain to produce premium wines at the forefront of Central Otago's wine production. Mt Difficulty’s cellar door and café opened in February 2003, and the facility has gained a reputation for the majestic views and stylish yet uncomplicated cuisine.