Central Otago, the southernmost wine-producing region of New Zealand, is known as one of the southernmost wine-producing regions in the world.
New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, and the further south you go the lower the temperature gets, so the southernmost region, Central Otago, is very cool. In addition, the Southern Alps, a mountain range that runs north and south across the South Island of New Zealand, block rain clouds, so there is little rain throughout the year and it is very dry.
Taking advantage of this climate, Central Otago is a region where Pinot Noir, a grape variety that does not do well in the heat, is cultivated. The wine produced there is highly regarded around the world, and is one of New Zealand's leading wines, along with Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough.
This region is also home to one of New Zealand's top resort towns , Queenstown , and tours of the wineries using Queenstown as a base are also popular.
I've actually been to Central Otago, and it's a beautiful place with scenery that looks just like a postcard!
I want to go there♪
Now let's take a closer look at the Central Otago region , which is currently attracting the attention of wine fans around the world.
Central Otago grape production and cultivars
First, let's look at the characteristics of the data on grape growing in Central Otago.
- It ranks fourth in production volume in Japan, accounting for 2.4% of the total (2022).
- The cultivation area is the third largest in Japan.
- 80% of the grape varieties produced are Pinot Noir.
The Central Otago region is a vast wine-producing region that boasts the third largest cultivation area in New Zealand. However, the amount of grapes produced is very small, about 2.4% of the total. In terms of production volume alone, it is far from "Marlborough", which accounts for more than 80% of New Zealand wine, but this region is still attracting a lot of attention from around the world.
The Pinot Noir from this region is so amazing!
Pinot Noir is the variety used in the world's most expensive wine, Romanée-Conti . If cultivated well, it can produce a very elegant and rich wine, but for many years it has been known as a difficult variety to cultivate.
The reasons for this are that, firstly, the skin is very thin and delicate, so it must be handled with care. Also, it is prone to disease, so it requires more care than other varieties. In addition, because it is an early-ripening variety, if it is grown in a hot climate, the grapes will ripen before they have time to store up enough nutrients, resulting in grapes that lack concentration.
Therefore, it has long been said among grape growers that Pinot Noir can only be produced well in Burgundy, France.
However, Central Otago overturned this common sense. In the late 1990s, critics began to say, "Who could believe that such high-quality Pinot Noir exists in the Southern Hemisphere? Central Otago could be the region that will carry the future of Pinot Noir!"
Now, it is known as one of the world's three major Pinot Noir producing regions, along with Burgundy (France ) and Oregon (USA ) .
The defining feature of New Zealand Pinot Noir is its fruity aroma. The Pinot Noir produced in Central Otago has a black cherry and herb aroma, and is rich in tannins and acidity, giving it a deep and elegant taste.
Many wineries also grow grapes other than Pinot Noir, mainly for white wine, including the following:
- Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Albariño
Not only the Pinot Noir, but the white wines are also excellent.
For example, at the welcome party for a wine event held in the region in 2018, guests were served Riesling that had been aged for over 10 years.
It is said that people were surprised by its classic, aromatic aroma and flavor.
Favourable climate and soil
We mentioned the climate conditions of the Central Otago region at the beginning, but here we will explain its characteristics in more detail in the items below.
- Cool and extremely dry
- Large temperature difference within a day
- "Barren land" created by the effects of glaciers
Cool and extremely dry
Central Otago, located at 45 degrees south latitude, is the southernmost wine producing region in the world and has a very cool climate.
When we Japanese hear "south," we think of "hot regions," but NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere. The further south you go, the cooler the climate becomes.
I see, it's the complete opposite of Japan!
In addition, the Southern Alps , a mountain range with an altitude of over 3,000m, runs to the west of the Central Otago region, blocking rain clouds. The annual rainfall is only 300 to 400mm. Compared to Yamanashi Prefecture, famous as a wine producing region in Japan, the annual rainfall is 1,100 to 1,200mm, so you can see how little rain there is.
This dry climate is ideal for grapes, which do not tolerate heavy rain.
Large temperature difference within a day
New Zealand is surrounded by the sea, but the Central Otago region does not face the sea and is the only region in New Zealand that is classified as a "semi-continental climate ." One of the characteristics of this climate is that there is a large difference in temperature within a day.
In Queenstown, a city in the Central Otago region, the average high temperature in January (midsummer) is 18°C. The average low temperature is 9°C. In terms of clothing, it's best to wear short sleeves during the day and slightly thicker pajamas to sleep at night, as it gets chilly. It's quite different from the image of summer in Japan.
Grapes grown in such an environment with large daily temperature differences end up with an elegant flavor that combines rich fruitiness with beautiful acidity.
Barren land affected by glaciers
The soil in this region is composed of quartz and mica, believed to have been carried by glaciers, fine schist, and rock erosion. Such nutrient-poor soil is called "poor soil" and is considered to be suitable for growing wine grapes.
A photo of a vineyard in New Zealand taken by Iwasu. This is the kind of land they refer to as "poor soil."
Why is poor soil better suited to growing grapes?
This is because grapes grow in poor soil, where they do not use nutrients to grow branches and leaves, but rather store nutrients in the fruit, which is then eaten by birds and animals, who then carry the seeds far away.
Also, when roots grow in poor soil, they grow deep underground in search of nutrients and are able to absorb various nutrients from the soil.
Countermeasures against frost are a never-ending struggle
However, the climate and soil of this region are not always ideal for grape cultivation. Because it is a cool region, frost , the enemy of grapes, easily occurs, and producers are busy taking measures to prevent it.
Particular care must be taken during the growing and harvesting periods, when the quality of the grapes is greatly affected. Producers install windmills in the vineyards and charter helicopters to blow air from above to keep the grapes free of frost.
In this way, high quality grapes are grown through the tireless efforts of the producers.
Central Otago wine history
The first vines were planted in Central Otago in 1864 but it was only recently, in the 1980s, that serious commercial wine began to be produced there.
There are few wine-producing regions in the world with such a short history.
So why did the wine from this region suddenly become so famous? It all started with one particular wine.
Felton Road, the "Cinderella Wine" that gained fame overnight
It was the Felton Road wine, first released in 1997, that brought the region to the world's attention.
Critics around the world were astonished, saying, "Who could believe that such a wine could be produced in the Southern Hemisphere? It tastes just like authentic Burgundy!"
This wine, which gained fame overnight, is also known as the ``Cinderella wine.''
This incident sparked international attention not only for Felton Road but also for Central Otago wine.
Felton Road is still the region's leading winery, and its wines are said to be difficult to obtain and are known as the ``legendary New Zealand wines.''
▶ Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn 2020
Central Otago wineries experiencing rapid growth
Central Otago is home to many small wineries . As a relatively new wine producing region, producers there are proactively adopting new techniques and ideas developed in other regions.
Here are three wineries you should know about:
All of these wineries are amazing!
Felton Road
Felton Road, which we introduced earlier, is one of the most representative wineries not only in this region but in New Zealand as well, and stands out in particular.
The history of the company began in 1991 when Stuart Elmes established Elms Vineyard in Bannockburn, Central Otago.
They then brought in winemaker Blair Walter and released their first Pinot Noir in 1997. The wines instantly captivated wine fans around the world, and the winery quickly became one of the world's most highly regarded top wineries.
At Felton Road, all of our vineyards are grown using biodynamic farming methods and we use a more natural approach to winemaking.
One thing worth noting is that they use the "Gravity Flow System," a method that uses natural gravity as much as possible to process the harvested grapes and wine without using any machinery.
Rippon
RIPPON is a small family-run winery founded in the mid-1970s.
Located on the shores of Lake Wanaka at an altitude of 330m, the winery faces north and is well-lit (as we are in the southern hemisphere, north-facing is the best exposure), with the beautiful Southern Alps stretching out across the lake.
The winery is managed by Nick Mills, who has experience training in Burgundy. He practices biodynamic farming methods based on the knowledge he gained there. The fields, rich in nature and planted with herbs such as chamomile, are also known as "the most beautiful vineyard in the world."
White wines such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer are also excellent, but Pinot Noir is the most highly acclaimed wine in the world. It has the elegance and brilliance of Burgundy.
Misha's Vineyard
Misha's Vineyard is an up-and-coming winery that has been gaining attention in recent years.
The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, used to work for a global IT company in Singapore. They had a long-held dream of "making their own wine someday." The couple would visit wine-producing regions around the world on their holidays, learning about grape cultivation and brewing, and in 2001 they decided to make wine.
Wanting to produce an elegant Pinot Noir in a cool climate, the couple narrowed their sights down to Central Otago and spent two long years searching for the perfect site, eventually settling on a steep slope overlooking Lake Dunstan.
Meesha's is still something of a new star in New Zealand, but as seen in its selection of vineyards, it is a winery that takes each step carefully.
This photo was taken when Iwasu visited Miescher's Vineyards and tasted some of the finest wines at the owner, Miescher's, home.
Central Otago's unique "sub-regions"
From here, we will introduce the "sub-regions" of the vast Central Otago region.
What is a subregion?
A subregion is a smaller area that is created by further dividing a larger production area called a "region."
This may be a bit of geeky information, but knowing about the subregions will allow you to enjoy the differences in the wines from each region even more.
The region has six sub-regions:
- Wanaka
- Gibbston
- Bannockburn
- Cromwell/Lobburn/Pisa
- Bendigo
- Alexandra
*The division of "sub-regions" in the Central Otago region is presented according to the standards of "Central Otago Pinot Noir LTD."
Now, let us introduce the location and characteristics of these subregions.
Wanaka
Wanaka is the northernmost sub-region in the region and is located closest to the Southern Alps. It is a town with a population of about 7,000 people, rich in nature, and is also popular as a resort town.
It's a little far from Queenstown, about an hour and a half by car, but the magnificent scenery attracts visitors. One of the must-sees is Lake Wanaka . If you visit in late April to early May, which is autumn in New Zealand, you can enjoy the beautiful red and yellow trees.
It is a relatively warm region within the cool Central Otago region, and the wines produced there are characterized by a "slightly spicy taste" regardless of the variety.
The leading winery in this region is Rippon .
Gibbston
Gibbston is the highest in the region and has a cool climate. It is also home to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungee jumping.
Gibbston's Pinot Noir is characterized by its delicate flavor, with notes of red fruits such as raspberries and a rich acidity.
There are many famous wineries, including Amisfield, Valli, and Peregrine, but we especially recommend a tour of Gibbston Valley**.
Gibbston Valley is home to cellar doors, restaurants and cheese production and sales outlets, so you can enjoy yourself for half a day.
Bannockburn
Bannockburn sits in a basin which is the warmest and driest part of the cool Central Otago region.
Pinot Noir from this region is characterized by a soft structure and rounded fruit flavor, and many high-quality wines that can be aged for a long time are produced here.
A must-visit is the famous winery "Felton Road" . The beautiful vineyards spreading out on the hills overlooking the winery are a spectacular sight. The wineries with restaurants "Mount Difficulty" and "Carrick" are popular with locals.
Cromwell/Lobburn/Pisa
Cromwell is a "fruit town" lined with many orchards.
This area is also the base of Sato Wines, run by Japanese winemakers Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato.
If you head north from Bannockburn along Route 6, you will come across a long, narrow lake called Lake Dunstan, and to the west are the small wine-producing areas of Lowburn and Pisa .
Another definition of the subregion is that Cromwell, Lowburn, and Pisa are lumped together under the name Cromwell Basin. Cromwell wines are said to be similar to those from Bannockburn and have a slightly rounded flavor.
Bendigo
Bendigo is a region located just north of Cromwell, on the eastern side of Lake Dunstan.
The vineyards in this region are formed by layers of soil carried by glaciers, and are characterized by the inclusion of not only quartz and clay but also limestone. This gives the Pinot Noir from this region a deep color and an intense spiciness.
Representative wineries include Prophet's Rock, Misha's Vineyard, and Quartz Leaf .
Alexandra
"Alexandra" is a small town located a little way from the other subregions.
This area does not get as many tourists as other areas, but it is an important wine producing area. Because it is the southernmost sub-region of Central Otago, the southernmost region in New Zealand, this is the true "southernmost wine producing area" . In other words, it is difficult to make wine in colder areas south of here.
Alexandra is one of the Central Otago region's areas with the most extreme temperature differences throughout the day, which allows it to produce aromatic wines.
A representative winery is Two Paddocks .
Tips for a Central Otago wine tour
The region is so large that a car is the best way to visit multiple wineries.
It's a good idea to make your plans based in Queenstown, the central city where you will likely be staying!
There are two ways to tour the wineries:
1. Take part in a winery tour that can be booked locally
The most casual way to travel is to take a winery tour , which everyone can enjoy.
In Central Otago, local tour operators run winery tours from Queenstown, which are great if everyone wants to do some tastings and no one has to be the driver.
2. Make your own plan and rent a car
If there is a winery or region that you are particularly interested in, renting a car offers great flexibility and is convenient.
Anyone can drive in NZ if they obtain an international driver's license in Japan. Since the country has almost the same traffic rules as Japan, with driving on the left side of the road, it is a relatively easy country for Japanese people to drive in.
Many of the wineries are clustered along Highway 6, so driving to your destination isn't too difficult.
At the nearest location, you can arrive at a winery just 30 minutes after leaving Queenstown.
Japanese people active in Central Otago
New Zealand has a very short history of winemaking, but it has grown dramatically in the last few decades. Wine producers from all over the world are flocking to this land, which is blessed with great wine-making potential. Japanese people are no exception.
Sato Wines is a Japanese-owned winery that represents Central Otago.
There are Japanese producers in NZ!
I feel a sense of closeness to it ♪
Yes, there are many Japanese producers doing remarkable things in New Zealand.
Sato Wines, a winery in the Central Otago region, produces wines that are packed with advanced techniques and attention to detail, and are highly regarded around the world.
Sato Wines
Image source: Village Cellars Co., Ltd.
Sato Wines is a winery founded in 2009 by the husband and wife duo, Yoshiaki and Kyoko Sato.
The Sato couple used to work at the same bank. They were originally wine lovers, but after being exposed to the appeal of wines from around the world while working in London, they decided to pursue a career in winemaking.
They then moved to New Zealand to study winemaking at Lincoln University in 2007. During their time there, they worked at Felton Road, one of the most prestigious wineries in New Zealand, and built their careers in winemaking.
In 2009, Yoshiaki moved to Mount Edward and worked as winemaker while also founding Sato Wines . Kyoko continues to work at Felton Road as a supervisor.
Sato Wines believes in making natural wine and grows grapes using biodynamic farming methods.
A movement to promote local Pinot Noir
The reason why New Zealand wine has made such a remarkable leap in the last few decades is not only due to the region's favorable climate and soil, but also because the local people are proactively promoting the appeal of the region's Pinot Noir to the world. Here are some examples.
CENTRAL OTAGO PINOTS NOIR LIMITED.
The organization "Central Otago Pinot Noir Limited (COPNL)" was established in 2003 with investment from producers. Their mission is "to promote Central Otago as an excellent wine producing region to the world through distinctive, high-quality Pinot Noir."
Almost all of the wineries in this region are small, family-run businesses, and they make their wines with great care and precision. They put a lot of thought into their wines. However, even if small producers disseminate information separately, it is difficult for their wines to be recognized as local specialties.
That's why Copner, a group of small producers, actively holds events and promotes the region's high-quality Pinot Noir wine and its passion for wine.
Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration
The Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration, which has been held since 2000 and will be the 15th next year, is a three-day Pinot Noir event hosted by Copnell in Central Otago. The main visitors are Pinot Noir producers, wine lovers from around the world, and critics such as Masters of Wine .
Participants will visit the Central Otago region of New Zealand and enjoy the exquisite wines made by local wine makers in a natural setting. The three-day event will include a variety of activities, such as tasting in groups around a table, enjoying wines over a relaxed lunch, or slowly tasting and comparing wines on your own.
Winemakers also attend the event, providing a rare opportunity to hear first-hand how their wines are made. I'm sure that visitors to this event will return to their home countries even more fond of New Zealand Pinot Noir.
▶ Central Otago Pinot Celebration
Access to and sightseeing in Central Otago
Finally, here is some tourist information for this region. Below are two popular spots to visit.
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
Queenstown is the base for touring this region.
This city has an airport, magnificent nature, and urban functions, and is also a popular vacation spot for celebrities from all over the world.
Are celebrities also coming? I'm curious! (laughs)
Aside from winery tours, this is an area with many attractions.
We will summarize information on how to get there from Japan and sightseeing, focusing on Queenstown.
Getting to Central Otago
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Japan to Queenstown Airport, so the most common way to travel is by flying from Auckland Airport in the North Island.
The travel times from major cities in Australia to Queenstown are as follows:
| plane | car | |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes | Approximately 22 hours |
| Wellington | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes | Approx. 14 hours |
| Christchurch | Approximately 1 hour | Approximately 6 hours |
Queenstown
Queenstown was named after the meaning "worthy of Queen Victoria."
This scenic city rich in nature is popular not only as a tourist destination but also as a summer resort. In the city center, you can enjoy shopping and meals at cafes and restaurants.
Lake Wakatipu , which faces the town, is breathtakingly beautiful and is also known as the "Jade Lake" because of its crystal clear waters. Queenstown has a calm and relaxed atmosphere that is somewhat similar to a Nordic town, making it perfect for a stroll.
The night sky is also very beautiful, so we recommend staying overnight and observing the stars. If you're lucky, you might even be able to see the Aurora Borealis.
The Winery: A place to compare wines
The interior of the store photographed by Iwasu
At a shop in the city called "The Winery," you can casually taste a variety of wines.
The wine tasting style at this restaurant is innovative and streamlined.
First, you receive an IC card for tasting at the counter, then press the button for the wine you want from the line-up, and the wine will be poured into your glass. There are over 80 types of wine available at all times, from affordable to high-end, and you can choose from three volume levels, so you can compare many wines at once.
I also sampled a lot of wines at this shop! It was a lot of fun to compare wines from all over NZ.
Milford Sound
If you visit Queenstown, be sure to take a trip to Milford Sound .
Milford Sound is a beautiful inlet formed by a glacier. The view of the mountains rising from the sea, including Mitre Peak, which stands at over 1,682m above sea level, is spectacular.
The most popular activity at Milford Sound is a cruise. There are also many other ways to enjoy it, such as sea kayaking, diving, scenic flights, trekking, etc. There are few accommodations near Milford Sound, so it is convenient to visit it as a day trip when staying in Queenstown.
summary
Central Otago is the world's southernmost wine region.
This region is the only one in New Zealand with a semi-continental climate, and produces high-quality Pinot Noir that is comparable to that of Burgundy in France, capturing the hearts of Pinot Noir fans around the world.
When you think of New Zealand wine, you think of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. But there's no doubt that Pinot Noir from Central Otago has also firmly established the presence of New Zealand wine.
Keep an eye on the wines of Central Otago, which are becoming increasingly popular in the future!
