About Central Otago...

At southern latitude 45° south, Central Otago vineyards form the world's southernmost winemaking region. The vines are planted amongst spectacular alpine scenery and are the highest in New Zealand, with most vineyards located between 200 and 400 metres above sea level.

The mountain ranges shelter the region from coastal weather and provide the basis of a true continental climate that is unique in New Zealand.

It is very similar to the other great grape growing regions of the world such as Burgundy, Alsace, and the Willamette Valley in Oregon .

The summers here are very hot and dry, and the winters cold and snowy. With the benefit of low rainfall, and high sunshine hours outweighing the risk of frosts, this is the perfect region for the creation of high quality fruit driven wines.

Although small, Central Otago is a rapidly developing wine growing region, with an international reputation for some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. More than 70% of grapes grown in Central Otago are Pinot Noir, with other varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer are grown to a lesser extent.

From the shores of Lake Wanaka through the Cromwell basin past Bendigo, Lowburn, Bannockburn, then from Alexandra back to Cromwell and onto Gibbston Valley to the shores of lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, Central Otago is the fruit bowl that produces many acclaimed wines.

Now with over 75 vineyards producing their own labels in the region, Central Otago has earned its reputation as one of the premier New World wine producing areas.

For more general information on our beatiful region, please go to the Tourism Central Otago web site.