Central Otago

New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.

Extreme continental: intense summer heat and long frosty nights, giving Pinot Noir unusual concentration.

Central Otago, in the alpine interior of New Zealand's South Island, is the world's most southerly wine region - and one of the most exciting. The combination of extreme sunlight and dramatic cool brings a dazzling, concentrated style of Pinot Noir.

The region's tiny, artisanal scale means its wines rarely leave New Zealand, which only adds to their cult allure.

For the buyer, Central Otago Pinot is a world-class find - a bright, perfume-driven style ideal for gastronomy and cellaring.

Terroir & Soil

Glacial moraine and alluvial soils over schist; dramatic mountain vineyards benefit from the diurnal swing.

What to Expect from the Wines

· Central Otago makes some of the world's most intense, perfumed Pinot Noir, wrapped around with freshness.
· Its riesling is racy and age-worthy; the mountain backdrop is cinematic.
· The region produces small quantities - quality and character are the currency.

Remarkable Bottles from Central Otago

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Pinot Noir. Central Otago's most famous biodynamic pinot estate — pure, perfumed and deeply site-expressive.

$65–$100 est. retail

Central Otago Pinot Noir

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Central Otago Pinot Noir is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Pinot Noir. a house-style Central Otago pinot noir that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Central Otago Riesling

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Central Otago Riesling is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Riesling. a house-style Central Otago riesling that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Central Otago Chardonnay

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Central Otago Chardonnay is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Central Otago chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Central Otago Pinot Grigio

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Central Otago Pinot Grigio is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Pinot Grigio. a house-style Central Otago pinot grigio that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc

Central Otago · 2024 (representative vintage)

Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Central Otago region (New Zealand's South Island interior, around Queenstown and Cromwell - the world's southernmost wine region.), made principally from Sauvignon Blanc. a house-style Central Otago sauvignon blanc that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Food Pairing

· Pinot Noir pairs with duck, venison and earthy mushroom dishes.
· Riesling is superb with Thai, Vietnamese and spice-driven food.
· Rose from the region is perfect for alpine summer tables.

Buying from Central Otago

› Pinot Noir is the hero; single-vineyard bottlings from Felton Road, Mt Difficulty and Pyramid are benchmarks.
› Riesling is the underrated white - seek out dry and off-dry bottlings.
› The region rewards patience and connoisseurship; prices reflect demand.