At about 47 degrees south, Central Otago contains some of the world's most southerly wine regions. Its vineyards lie in valleys bounded by the Southern Alps. The six principal subregions, Wānaka, Gibbston, Bannockburn, Alexandra, Bendigo and Cromwell/Lowburn/Pisa, sit close together but differ in landscape and character. Winegrowing dates to 1864, when the first vines were planted near Clyde. Gibbston's first commercial bottlings appeared in 1987.
Pinot Noir is Central Otago's main grape, often showing berry fruit, earthiness and marked acidity. Warmer areas tend towards sweet plum and cherry, sometimes with a thyme-like note. Gibbston and Wānaka are cooler, with fresher wines that lean towards red cherry, fresh herb, spice and mineral character. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer are also grown. The strongly continental climate brings hot summers, freezing winters, low rainfall and humidity, and plentiful sunshine.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Central Otago clear, with a direct route back to the map.
Producer profiles
Begin with this selection, or open the full directory when you want every producer currently placed in Central Otago.
- DiceyBrothers James and Matt Dicey make Bannockburn Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Central Otago, continuing a family vineyard story their father Robin began when he arrived in the region in 1977.
- Domaine RewaCentral Otago domaine making organic single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling under a Burgundy-inspired remit.
- Felton RoadBannockburn producer Felton Road farms estate vineyards for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling under organic and biodynamic management.
- Mishas VineyardCentral Otago producer beside Lake Dunstan, with hand harvested Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines.
- Prophet's RockA Bendigo, Central Otago winery with estate-grown Pinot Noir and single-block Cuvée Aux Antipodes Chardonnay.
- Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate PartnershipA Bendigo, Central Otago estate making traditional-method sparkling wine, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from a north-facing vineyard above a large quartz deposit.
- Rippon Vineyard & WineryLake Wānaka Pinot Noir from a four-generation family farm, shaped through organic and biodynamic vineyard work.