Central Otago Wine Region

Central Otago grows wine further from the equator than almost anywhere else, in a dry schist-and-thyme landscape that was dug over for gold in the 1860s and still looks it. Winters are hard, summers hot, and the gap between day and night temperature is wide, which suits Pinot Noir, the grape that makes up most of the plantings and the whole of the region's reputation. Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay fill in the rest. The subregions sit well apart from each other: Gibbston in a cool gorge near Queenstown, Bannockburn and Bendigo around the Cromwell basin, Alexandra further south, and a scattering near Wanaka. Cellar doors are mostly small working operations rather than showpieces.

What you actually see

• Bannockburn - terraced vineyards above old gold sluicings on the south side of the Cromwell basin.
• Gibbston - the cool gorge subregion nearest Queenstown, with a river trail linking cellar doors by bike.
• Pinot Noir tastings - the grape the region is built on, compared across subregions in a day.
• The old gold workings - sluiced cliffs and stone remains scattered among the vines.

When to go

November to April covers the warm season. March and April bring harvest, autumn colour on the vines and poplars, and the region at its best to look at. Winter closes some cellar doors and shortens hours, though the ski season keeps the Gibbston end busy. Arrange a driver or a tour, or ride the Gibbston trail, before planning a day of tasting.

Honest expectations

Tasting fees are normal now, sometimes waived on a purchase. Queenstown proximity makes the Gibbston end busy and pricier than the rest. The subregions are genuinely far apart, forty minutes or more between them, so one day covers two at most. Drink-driving limits are low and enforced. Summer heat in the Cromwell basin is fierce and shade at cellar doors is not guaranteed.

Nearby

Queenstown and Lake Wanaka are within an hour, and the Otago Central Rail Trail starts near Alexandra.