Central Otago: A Tapestry of Terroir and Taste

Nestled at the 45° south latitude, Central Otago is the world’s southernmost wine region—a place where dramatic landscapes, pioneering spirit, and cool-climate elegance converge to create truly exceptional wines.

A Mosaic of Sub-Regions

Central Otago is made up of six distinct sub-regions, each offering its own unique microclimate and wine personality:

Gibbston Valley – Known as the “Valley of the Vines,” with cooler temperatures and vibrant, expressive wines.

Bannockburn – Warm, dry, and sun-soaked—perfect for bold, deeply concentrated Pinot Noir.

Cromwell Basin (including Pisa and Lowburn) – Produces richly fruited wines with balanced structure.

Bendigo – Home to steep, north-facing slopes and full-bodied, powerful reds.

Alexandra – Offers delicate, aromatic wines shaped by dramatic diurnal shifts.

Wanaka – The smallest (and often coolest) sub-region, delivering elegant, finely textured wines.

A World-Class Pinot Noir Destination

While Central Otago produces a stunning range of varietals—including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer—it’s Pinot Noir that steals the global spotlight.

Central Otago’s cool-climate wineries have a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir, earning international awards and accolades alongside legendary regions like Burgundy, France (the home of Pinot Noir) and Oregon, USA. Each bottle reflects the purity, complexity, and distinct character of the land it comes from.

Where It All Began: The Godfather of Gibbston

Central Otago may be one of the world’s youngest wine regions, but its roots run deep—thanks to one visionary. In the early 1980s, Alan Brady, often referred to as the Godfather of Gibbston, took a bold leap of faith and planted the first vines in what many thought was impossible wine country.

His efforts led to the founding of Gibbston Valley Winery, and in 1987, he released Central Otago’s first commercial Pinot Noir—marking the beginning of something extraordinary.

From these humble beginnings, the region has flourished into a globally recognised New World wine powerhouse, capturing the attention of wine lovers and critics from Burgundy to Oregon and beyond.

Alan Brady, Pioneer of Central Otago Wine

“It was a dream. Just an idea that Central Otago might produce Pinot Noir to stand alongside the best in the world.”
— Alan Brady, Pioneer of Central Otago Wine