Commercial vines were first planted in Waitaki in 2001. The official geographical-indication name is Waitaki Valley North Otago. The vineyards lie about 20 kilometres inland from the mouth of the Waitaki River, on the boundary between North Otago and South Canterbury.
This is a very cool vineyard area, with warm summers and usually long, dry autumns. Vines grow on weathered limestone slopes and free-draining river gravels that contain limestone, greywacke and schist. A long braided river system runs from the Southern Alps to the sea, and the stony soils retain and reflect heat toward the vines.
Pinot Noir is the main grape, with Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer among the important aromatic whites. Chardonnay is planted on a smaller scale. The wines are aromatic and delicately structured, with balanced acidity and clear varietal character. Pinot Noir is savoury, mineral and restrained. Chardonnay has high natural acidity and a mineral profile, while Riesling and Pinot Gris can combine pronounced acidity with comparatively low alcohol.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Waitaki Valley clear, with a direct route back to the map.