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Wineries in the South
A Guide to Central Otago Wineries and Vineyards
Although small, Central Otago is a rapidly developing wine growing region, with over 178 vineyards, and an international reputation for Pinot Noir. In 2007 Pinot Noir comprised approximately 85% of the total vineyard plantings, with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling accounting for about 8% each. Other minor varieties to perform well on suitable sites are Sauvignon Blanc and Gew邦rztraminer. Production of sparkling wine, traditionally made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, has been small but the high quality achieved has seen the wines well received.
※This is God＊s Country when it comes to Pinot Noir§ (James Halliday in Panorama 2000)
Location
At 45∼ south this is the world＊s southernmost winemaking region. The region is mountainous, rising to over 2000m with the vines planted amongst spectacular alpine scenery. The vineyards are also the highest in the country, located between 200 and 450 metres above sea level.
History
Central Otago has a rich historical heritage. John Desire Feraud was attracted to the area during the Dunstan goldrush of 1862. Feraud came from a French winemaking family and quickly recognised the potential for grape growing, planting the first wine grapes in Central Otago in 1864. Over the next 20 years he made a variety of wines, some winning prizes in Sydney wine competitions. His stone built winery ※Monte Christo§ survives today and two of Feraud＊s transluscent deep-blue bottles may be seen in the Clyde Museum. Following his departure from the region, commercial winemaking ceased and was not revived until the early 1980＊s with experimental grape plantings around Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra. The first modern commercial wines were produced in 1987. The annual Feraud Dinner, hosted by the Central Otago wine industry, celebrates his pioneering vision and enterprise.
The Sub Regions
Central Otago is comprised of four distinctive sub-regions separated by mountains and deep gorges. The Cromwell basin accounts for 70% of the regions' vineyards and includes Bannockburn in the south, Lowburn, Wanaka Road and Bendigo to the north. A further 20% of plantings are found around Gibbston where most vines occupy steep north-facing fans and terraces above the dramatic Kawarau Gorge. In the southwest of the region are Clyde and Alexandra (7%), with vines nestled among rugged schist tors in a dry intermontane basin. Michael Kors Bags. The remainder of the vines (3%) are located around Wanaka where vineyards run down to the shore of the lake against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains and glaciers.
The Soils
Central Otago＊s vineyards are located on a variety of soils ranging from windblown sands to heavy silt looms and weathered schist. Most of the soils are derived from loess or alluvial deposits, often with underlying gravels allowing free drainage. To the west some of the soils are developed on glacial outwash or moraine and there are even small pockets of man-made soils resulting from hydraulic sluicing during the gold mining days of 140 years ago. Each of these soil types has a distinct influence on the growth and flavours in the grapes.
Climate
Central Otago is the only area in New Zealand with a semi-continental climate resulting in greater daily and seasonal extremes of temperature than found elsewhere in the country. Summers are hot and dry, with autumns cool and generally dry with cold nights. Rain falls evenly throughout the year and averages from 325-700mm per annum, generally increasing to the west. The relatively low rainfall results in a low incidence of botrytis and other fungal disease reducing the need for spraying. The large diurnal temperature variation 每 the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures 每 contributes to flavour intensity, gives depth of colour and stability to the wines.
Heavy frosts are common throughout the winter and frost can occur at any time between March and November. Vines are susceptible to frost in the growing season and as a result most vineyards are on warm north-facing slopes which promote cold-air drainage. On flatter sites wind machines, water sprinklers and misting systems or other frost protection measures are adopted.
Labels
OTHER CENTRAL OTAGO LABELS
These wines can be found in a number of local wine shops in the area or from the indicated Cellar Door outlets (shown in italics).
Alexandra Wine Company
Anthony James
Bannock Brae Estate
Goldfields
Hay＊s Lake: Quartz Reef
Kawarua Estate: Central Otago Wine Company
Kenley
Margaret John
Marharg: Central Otago Wine Company
Nevis Bluff: Central Otago Wine Company
Pisa Range Estate: Quartz Reef
Pisa Moorings
RD1/Sleeping Dogs: Central Otago Wine Company
Twin Paddocks: Central Otago Wine Company
Valli
Van Ash
Information
For more information on accommodation and activities within the region:
Wanaka Visitor Information Centre
Queenstown Visitors Centre
Cromwell & Districts Information Centre/Museum
Central Otago Visitors Information Centre Alexandra
Central Otago Wine Cellar
www.otagowine.com the online information and sales for all Otago wines.
Wine Tours
There are a variety of different wine tours operating, please contact either the following tour operators, or the local Information Centre;
| 1. |
Appellation Central Wine Tours |
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Appellation Central offers small group, wine tours departing Queenstown and visiting some of Central Otago's premium vineyards. The tours are well paced with time to savour the unique surrounds of Central, its history, the people and its fine cuisine. |
| 2. |
Queenstown Wine Trail |
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Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our local wineries & taste distinctive wines. Departs 12.30pm daily |
Events
Central Otago Wine Festival
Annual food and wine festival held in the picturesque Queenstown Gardens. Held in late January/ early February. For more details contact Adam Peren on telephone +64 3 442 4000
Clyde Harvest Festival
Wine and food festival held in Clyde Township every Easter.
Pinot Noir Celebration
An event to celebrate Pinot Noir with international speakers, seminars and tastings. In 2003 the celebration will be held on 31st January-1st February. For more details contact Blair Walter on telephone +64 3 445 0885
Feraud Dinner
Dinner for grapegrowers and winemakers to conclude harvest. May/June.
For more details contact C.O.W.A on telephone +64 3 554 1585
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TARRAS / WANAKA REGIONS
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Lindis River Wines
6 Thomson Gorge Road
Ardgour Valley, Tarras
By appointment only
Tel: (03) 445 2020
Fax: (03) 445 2021
E-Mail: info@lindisriver.co.nz
Website: www.lindisriver.co.nz
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Mount Maude
Maungawera Valley
Rapid 161, RD2 Wanaka
Tastings by appointment only
Tel: (03) 443 8398
Fax: (03) 443 1908
E-Mail: mountmaude@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.mountmaude.co.nz
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Rippon Vineyard & Winery
RN 246 Mt Aspiring Road, Lake Wanaka
Tastings: Dec 每 April 11am to 5pm daily,
July 每 Nov 1:30pm to 4:30pm daily,
closed May/June. Picnic area.
Tel: (03) 443 8084 Fax (03) 443 8034
E-Mail: info@rippon.co.nz
Website: www.rippon.co.nz
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CROMWELL REGION
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Kawarau Estate
927 Wanaka Road, Cromwell
Open 26 Dec 每 31 Jan, 10am 每 5pm
February 每 December by appointment
Tel: (03) 445 1315 Fax: (03) 445 1325
E-Mail: wine@kawarauestate.co.nz
Website: www.kawarauestate.co.nz
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Pisa Range Estate
Rapid 925, Pisa Flats,
Cromwell/Wanaka Highway (SH6)
Visitors welcome by appointment
Tel/Fax: (03) 445 0412 Mobile: 0274 409 527
E-Mail: info@pisarangeestate.co.nz
Website: www.pisarangeestate.co.nz
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Aurum Wines
140 State Highway 6, Cromwell
Open for tastings 10am 每 5pm
Summer daily: Winter Monday 每 Friday
Tel: (03) 445 3620 Fax: (03) 445 3640
E-Mail: sales@aurumwines.com
Website: www.aurumwines.com
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Wooing Tree
Opposite ※Big Fruit Sculpture§
Entrance via Shortcut Road, Cromwell
Open daily 10am 每 5pm
Winter hours may vary
Tel: (03) 445 4142
E-Mail: contact@wooingtree.co.nz
Website: www.wooingtree.co.nz
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Mount Michael Wines & Estates
McNab Road, RD 2, Cromwell
Open for tastings 11am 每 4pm
Wed 每 Sun Oct 每 April
Casual hours rest of year or by appointment
Tel: (03) 445 1351 Fax: (03) 445 1391
E-Mail: info@mountmichael.co.nz
Website: www.mountmichael.co.nz
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Central Otago Wine Company Ltd
102 Gair Avenue
Off McNulty Road, Cromwell
Summer Mon 每 Fri 10am每5pm, Sat每Sun 12pm-5pm
Winter Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. Hours may vary
We make and sell a selection of Central Otago Wines.
Tel: (03) 445 3100 Fax: (03) 445 3101
E-Mail: wine@cowine.co.nz
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Quartz Reef
Building 10, Hughes Crescent,
Lake Dunstan Estate, McNulty Road, Cromwell
Open Mon 每 Friday 10am 每 3pm
or by appointment
Tel: (03) 445 3084
E-Mail: rudi@quartzreef.co.nz
Website: www.quartzreef.co.nz
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Rockburn Central Otago
Cnr Gair Avenue & McNulty Road, Cromwell
Summer: 7Days (Sept - April)11am 每 4pm
Winter: Monday to Friday (May - Aug) 11am 每 4pm
All tastings are complimentary
Tel / Fax: (03) 445 0555
E-Mail: winery@rockburn.co.nz
Website: www.rockburn.co.nz
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The Big Picture
0800 WINE ADVENTURE
Cromwell, Central Otago
Cnr Sandflat Road and State Highway 6
www.wineadventures.co.nz
9am until late, 7 days a week
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BANNOCKBURN REGION
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Bald Hills
46 Cornish Point Road,
via Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn
Open daily 11am 每 5pm
Tel: (03) 445 3161
Fax: (03) 445 3160
E-Mail: info@baldhills.co.nz
Website: www.baldhills.co.nz
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Carrick
Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn
Restaurant & Tastings, Daily 11am 每 5pm
Innovative Regional Cuisine
Bookings recommended
Tel: (03) 445 3480 Fax: (03) 445 3481
E-Mail: wines@carrick.co.nz
Website: www.carrick.co.nz
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Bannock Brae Estate
Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn
Open for tastings 11am 每 5pm daily
or by appointment
Tel: (03) 445 4426 or 027 221 0695
Fax: (03) 445 4428
E-Mail: bbe@ihug.co.nz
Website: www.bannockbrae.co.nz
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Akarua
Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn, Cromwell
Open daily for tastings
10am 每 5pm Mon 每 Fri, 11am 每 4pm Sat 每 Sun
Winery tours by appointment
Tel: (03) 445 0897 Fax: (03) 445 0898
E-Mail: info@akarua.com
Website: www.akarua.com
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Mt Difficulty Wines
Felton Road, Bannockburn
Cellar Door tastings 10:30am 每 4:30pm daily
Restaurant 12 noon 每 3pm daily
Lunch bookings essential
Tel: (03) 445 3445 Fax: (03) 445 3446
E-Mail: cellar.door@mtdifficulty.co.nz
Website: www.mtdifficulty.co.nz
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Felton Road
Felton Road, Bannockburn
Open Monday 每 Friday 2pm 每 5pm
or by appointment.
Please phone.
Tel: (03) 445 0885 Fax: (03) 445 0881
E-Mail: wines@feltonroad.com
Website. www.feltonroad.com
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Olssens
306 Felton Road, Bannockburn
Open daily for tastings 每 Summer 10am 每 5pm
Winter 11am 每 4pm, Monday 每 Friday
Light food available over summer.
Tel: (03) 445 1716 Fax: (03) 445 0050
E-Mail: wine@olssens.co.nz
Website: www.olssens.co.nz
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Desert Heart
320 Felton Road, Bannockburn
Visitors welcome by appointment
Self contained accommodation available
Tel: (03) 445 3258
Fax: (03) 445 3259
E-Mail: wines@desertheart.co.nz
Website: www.desertheart.co.nz
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Amisfield Winery & Bistro
10 Lake Hayes Road,
RD 1, Queenstown
Open for dining and wine tasting
10am 每 8pm, 7 days. Bistro closed Monday
Tel: (03) 442 0556 Fax: (03) 442 0553
E-Mail: admin@amisfield.co.nz
Website: www.amisfield.co.nz
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QUEENSTOWN REGION
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Waitiri Creek
Church Lane, SH 6, Gibbston, Queenstown
Open daily November 每 April 10am 每 5pm
Closed the month of May. Open 10am 每 4pm
June 每 October. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
during winter. Lunch 11am 每 3pm
Tel: (03) 441 3315 Fax: (03) 441 3316
E-Mail: info@waitiricreek.co.nz
Website: www.waitiricreek.co.nz
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Mount Edward Wines Ltd
Coalpit Road, Gibbston, Queenstown
Tastings by appointment only
Tel: (03) 442 6113
Fax: (03) 442 9119
E-Mail: wines@mountedward.co.nz
Website: www.mountedward.co.nz
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Peregrine Wines
Wentworth Estate
Kawarau Gorge Road
State Highway 6, Gibbston, Queenstown
Open daily for tastings 10am 每 5pm
Tel: (03) 442 4000 Fax: (03) 442 4038
E-Mail: info@peregrinewines.co.nz
Website: www.peregrinewines.co.nz
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Gibbston Valley Wines
State Highway 6, Gibbston, Queenstown
Open daily Cellar Door, tastings and gift shop
10am 每 5pm, Wine cave tours hourly, 10am 每 4pm
Winery Restaurant 12 noon 每 3pm. Exciting seasonal
menu featuring the very best local produce.
Available for functions and weddings
Tel: (03) 442 6910 Fax: (03) 442 6909
E-Mail: info@gvwines.co.nz
Website: www.gvwines.co.nz
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Chard Farm
Chard Road, State Highway 6, Gibbston
just after bungee bridge
Open daily for tasting
Monday 每 Friday 10am 每 5pm
Weekends 11am 每 5pm
Buses and Tours by appointment only
Tel: (03) 442 6110 Fax: (03) 441 8400
E-Mail: sales@chardfarm.co.nz
Website: www.chardfarm.co.nz
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c/o The Winehouse & Kitchen
Home of Van Asch, Freefall and Rock Ferry wines.
State Highway 6, 1693, Gibbston, Queenstown
'Through the Kawarau Bungy Centre Carpark'
Open daily for tasting, 10am 每 5pm.
Farmhouse restaurant with hearty, wholesome food.
Tel: (03) 442 7310
Fax: (03) 442 7317
E-Mail: wine@winehouse.co.nz
Website: www.vanaschwines.co.nz
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ALEXANDRA REGION
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Two Paddocks
315 Strode Road
Earnscleugh, 1RD Alexandra
By appointment
Tel: 027 289 9220 Fax: (03) 449 2755
E-Mail: sales@twopaddocks.com
Website: www.twopaddocks.com
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Three Miners
89 McPherson Road,
RD1 Alexandra
Tastings by appointment only
Tel/Fax: (03) 449 2343
E-Mail: julie@threeminers.com
Website: www.threeminers.com
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Dry Gully Vineyard
113 Earnscleugh Road, Alexandra
Tastings by appointment only
Tel/Fax: (03) 449 2030
Mobile: 021 326 939
E-Mail: southernwines@xtra.co.nz
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Judge Rock Vineyard
36 Hillview Road, Alexandra
Tasting by appointment only
Tel/Fax: (03) 448 5059
Mobile: 0274 279 108
E-Mail: wines@judgerock.co.nz
Website: www.judgerock.co.nz
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Black Ridge
Conroys Road, Alexandra
Open for tastings 10am 每 5pm daily
Tel: (03) 449 2059
Fax: (03) 449 2597
E-Mail: blackridge@clear.net.nz
Website: www.blackridge.co.nz
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William Hill Vineyard
Dunstan Road, Alexandra
Open for tastings 10am 每 4:30pm Oct 每 April
Tel: (03) 448 8436
Fax: (03) 448 8434
E-Mail: sales@williamhill.co.nz
Website: www.williamhill.co.nz
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The Regions
Cromwell Region
| 1 |
Packspur Vineyard |
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Burn Cottage Road
Lowburn, Cromwell |
Alexandra Region
Queenstown Region
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