Central Otago Wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay from New Zealand's South Island

Gibbston, Bannockburn or Bendigo?

The short answer is heat. Gibbston, in the narrow Kawarau Gorge near Queenstown, is the highest and coolest subregion, and its Pinot Noir is fragrant and fine. Bannockburn, on the dry slopes above the Kawarau River near Cromwell, is warmer and gives richer, darker wines.

Bendigo, further north above Lake Dunstan, is among the warmest parts of the region, with ripe, full flavoured Pinot. Alexandra in the south, Wānaka and the area around Cromwell, Lowburn and Pisa complete the six subregions.

Central Otago Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay

Central Otago Pinot Noir is known for vivid colour, ripe cherry and plum, thyme and spice, and fine, silky tannins. It is usually bolder than Pinot from Marlborough and ages beautifully for five to ten years.

White wine is the region's other strength. Pinot Gris is rich and textured with pear and spice, Chardonnay is taut and mineral, and Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are crisp and aromatic. Amisfield and Quartz Reef add traditional method sparkling.

Central Otago Wine Brands in Our Range

Mt Difficulty of Bannockburn makes the Roaring Meg range and its single vineyard Long Gully and Mansons Farm Pinot Noir. Chard Farm, perched above the Kawarau Gorge, makes the River Run, Mata-Au, Tiger and Viper Pinot Noirs as well as Rabbit Ranch.

Two Paddocks, founded by the actor Sam Neill, joins Amisfield, Quartz Reef, Peregrine, Rockburn, Mount Edward, Maude, Tarras Vineyards and Sato to complete our selection.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Pinot Noir at 14 to 16 degrees, a little cooler than most reds. It loves roast duck, lamb and mushroom dishes, while Pinot Gris suits pork, spicy Asian food and soft cheeses.

What Wine Is Central Otago Famous For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is Central Otago famous for?

Pinot Noir above all, ripe, dark fruited and silky. The region also makes excellent Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling and traditional method sparkling.

Why is Central Otago so good for Pinot Noir?

Long, sunny summer days ripen the grapes fully, while cold nights keep their freshness and colour. The dry climate helps keep the vines healthy, and the free draining soils hold their growth in check.

How does Central Otago Pinot Noir compare with Tasmanian Pinot?

Central Otago Pinot is usually riper, darker and fuller, while Pinot Noir from Tasmania tends to be lighter, with red fruit and higher acidity.

Why Buy Central Otago Wine at YourWines?

From a juicy Roaring Meg to a single vineyard bottle for the cellar, you can buy Central Otago Pinot Noir online at a fair price, alongside the rest of our New Zealand wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For more silky reds from across the Tasman, explore our New Zealand red wine.