Wines of Central Otago
Grape expectations
Central Otago wines continue to be celebrated the world over. Skilled and innovative wine producers put the shaly soils and perfect wine growing conditions of the world's southernmost wine-producing region to good use, adding their own flair to create a rich family of varietals including the much sought after and acclaimed Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and celebratory bubbles.
There are 75 wineries in the region serving 177 vineyards. Local vineyards have between 900 and 1,000 hectares in production, producing more than 3,500 tonnes of grapes annually. Thirty two 'cellar door' operations can be visited under your own steam or with a wine tour. The area’s first commercial vineyard, Gibbston Valley Wines near Queenstown, features a wine cave and tour, seriously good lunches, wine tasting, an elegant gift shop and a cheesery. Wanaka is the location for the world famous Rippon Vineyard, one of the first in the Southern Lakes – and arguably the most beautiful setting for a vineyard anywhere in the world.
Wine
Grapes were first grown here by a Frenchman during the gold rush of the late 1860's. The modern industry has now been established for well over 20 years, with vineyards across Central Otago and into the Queenstown and Wanaka areas, Bannockburn, Gibbston and Lowburn.
For the record
In an interview with Decanter magazine, Central Otago was named as one of the top five New World wine producing regions by leading British wine writer Jancis Robinson MW. While Oz Clarke of BBC Food and Drink stated, "There is no doubt Central Otago is establishing itself as New Zealand's premier pinot noir area and, maybe in a decade, the world's".
