Vast open plains and rugged landscapes make Central Otago one of the most scenic wine regions in New Zealand. It's also home to some of the best pinot noir in the world.
Find out more about great wineries and walking and cycling trails in Central Otago.
Hugged by mountains and interlaced with lakes and deep river gorges, the wineries in Central Otago and Lake Wānaka are truly spectacular. Here, the cool climate combined with glacially derived soils, means vineyards produce a highly elegant pinot noir and some quietly impressive white wine varietals and the occasional pink rosé.
Wine production is spread across six sub-regions, which are the Cromwell Basin, Bendigo, Bannockburn, Gibbston, and Alexandra and Wānaka.
Eat.Taste.Central(opens in new window) is a springtime event running from late October to mid-November where you can take your palate somewhere it hasn't been before. Local cafés, restaurants and cellar doors collectively produce a 'Central Otago Regional Menu' celebrating our very own World of Flavour. In addition, various events around the region will add a touch of zest to your Central Otago experience.
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail to the Bannockburn Wineries. Begin at Cromwell Heritage Precinct cycling 7km’s to Bannockburn’s iconic Felton Road wineries where there are up to seven cellar doors to choose from (some open by appointment only).
Otago Central Rail Trail is perfect for active-relaxers and wine-lovers. Over 15 wineries are found on the Clyde to Alexandra section of the cycle trail, which is also known as Pedal 4 Pinot. Check out the map of wineries in Alexandra Basin.
