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Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Wine Region |
Welcome to the Wines of OtagoIf you only have time to visit one New Zealand wine region, do yourself a favour and make it Otago. You won’t be disappointed!At the centre of the region is Queenstown - New Zealand’s premier tourist destination and the city voted world’s friendliest foreign city by 37,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveller and the world’s 3rd best value destination by readers of Travel and Leisure, USA. Queenstown is nestled on the shores of Lake Wakitipu and surrounded by the magnificent snow capped ranges of the Southern Alps. Near to Queenstown are the rolling plains of central Otago, historic gold mining towns, mountain trails, beautiful lakes and the majesty and grandeur of the beautiful Fiordland Sounds – designated a world Heritage Park. The scenery is simply stunning! Otago is the world’s southern most wine producing region. The summers are hot and dry, and the winters crisp and snowy. These conditions are ideal to the production of high quality Pinot Noir and Riesling wines. For those who don’t want to spend all their time on vineyards, Otago offers an incredible range of alternatives. For the more adventurous, there is bungy jumping, paraponting, base jumping, jet boating and white water rafting. Over winter, the area features world class skiing, snow boarding and heli-skiiing (with its promise of untouched mountain runs). For those just wanting to relax, there is golfing, fishing, garden tours, fine restaurants, cafes and shopping. Annual Otago wine and food related events include:
Regional Vintage GuideThe table below indicates the quality of wine vinatges in the Otago Region for each of the past ten years. Please note that the information is indicative only and that the quality of grapes grown may vary from one vineyard to another. |  Otago and Queenstown Information  
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| Black Ridge Wines has been in production since 1988. The winery is located on a steep rocky site near the cenral Otago town of Alexandra. Wine maker Tim Wandall's Pinot Noir is very good and characterised by ripe and fruity falavours - plum and cherry - and the influence of French oak. Wines from Black Ridge are exported to the United Kingdom. |
Black Ridge Wines |
| Felton Road is a new Otago winery located in the district of Bannockburn. Although new - its first vinatge was produced in 1997 - Felton Road under the guidance of wine maker Blair Walter is gaining a big reputation for the quality of its wines. Its Pinot Noir has received awards and acclaim. The winery's Cahardonnay has been described as powerful, and tastes of mealy, peachy and butterscoth flavors that reflect the effects of full melolactic fermentation. Felton Raod also produces a very good Riesling. Their wines are exported to the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America. |
Felton Road Wines |
| Gibbston Valley Wines is largely responsible for the reputation and popularity of the Otago wine region. The winery is situated in the scenic Kawarau Gorge, close to the AJ Hackett Bungy jump, and is only a short drive from Queenstown. The winery makes a very good Pinot Noir that has found much success. The 1995, 1996 and 1998 Reserve Pinot Noirs have each been awarded the trophy for champion Pinot Noir wine at the Royal Easter Wine Show (New Zealand). The 1998 Reserve was also judged champion Pinot Noir at the Japan International Wine Challenge, received a gold medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (London). Gibbston Valley Wines also make an adequate Chardonnay, a good Riesling and a good late harvest Gewurztraminer. The winery is well equipped for visitors and features a gift shop, restaurant and "wine cave". In 2001, there are plans for an extension to the winery, a new vineyard and a small chesery. |
Gibbston Valley Wines |
| Peregrine Wines' is a collaboration between Greg Hay, viticulturist, Steve Smith, Master of Wine, and Adam Peren's Wentworth Estate. The winery is located at Gibbston near Queenstown, but sources grapes from selected vineyards throughout Central Otago in the sub-regions of Gibbston, Lowburn, Bendigo and Northburn. Peregrine's first vintage was in 1998. Production was small, but the results were good. The 1998 Sauvignon Blanc won trophies in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. It's 1999 Pinot Noir won Gold at the Royal Easter Show and the Bragato awards. The winery welcomes visitors who can select their own cheese boards and antipasto platters and enjoy a picnic amongst the vines. The winery also provides for private tastings and is planning a restaurant soon. |
Peregrine Wines |
| Rippon Vineyard is located on Mt Aspiring Road overlooking Lake Wanaka. It is regarded by many, and certainly by it's owners Lois and Rolfe Mills, as the most beautiful vineyard site in the world. With views of Lake Wanaka and the Buchanan Mountains, it is quite stunning. The winery has Bio-Gro status and is best known for its 1992 Pinot Noir which won the Trophy for Best Red Wine at the 1994 Royal Easter Wine Show. Quality has varied over the years, possibly because of changing winemakers, but now appears more consistent. A good Riesling is also produced. Rippon wines are available in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Brazil. |
Rippon Vineyard |
