Summary of the Wine Region | Central Otago, New Zealand
Central Otago: A Global Leader in Cool-Climate Wine
A World-Class, new-world wine destination, Central Otago has earned a global reputation as one of the finest cool-climate wine regions in the world. Located at the southernmost latitude of any major wine region, it is renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, consistently ranked among the best internationally.
What sets Central Otago apart is its unique terroir, defined by its continental climate, dramatic landscapes, and diverse sub-regions. With scorching summers, freezing winters, and large diurnal temperature shifts, the grapes develop intense flavours while retaining vibrant acidity, resulting in balanced, age-worthy wines.
Beyond Pinot Noir, Central Otago also produces exceptional white varieties, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, orange wine and very small quantities of Sauvignon Blanc, further solidifying its status as a premier wine-growing region on the global stage.
Kinross: Showcasing Central Otago's Finest Wines
At Kinross, we are proud to be the official cellar door for five esteemed Central Otago wine labels: Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli, and Wild Irishman.
By visiting our cellar door in Gibbston, you can experience a curated tasting of wines from across Central Otago's diverse sub-regions, each expressing its unique terroir and character, all in one place (only 25 min from Queenstown).
See our tasting experience options here
Terroir & Sub-Regions of Central Otago
Central Otago is not a single uniform wine region—rather, it is made up of six distinct sub-regions, each with its own terroir, microclimate, and wine characteristics.
Gibbston: The Valley of Vines
The closest sub-region to Queenstown, Gibbston is the coolest and highest of all. With a long ripening season and schist-based soils, Gibbston wines are elegant and aromatic, featuring bright red fruit, floral notes, and fresh acidity.
Bannockburn: The Warm Heart of Central Otago
As the warmest and driest sub-region, Bannockburn produces bold, structured Pinot Noir with dark fruit, spice, and great aging potential. Its deep schist and loess soils provide excellent drainage, leading to concentrated, complex wines.
Pisa: A Rising Star
Located between Cromwell and Wanaka, Pisa benefits from moderate warmth and cooling influences from Lake Dunstan. This results in silky, well-balanced Pinot Noir, with both red and dark fruit, bright acidity, and minerality.
Wanaka: The Elegant, Lakeside Haven
The smallest sub-region, Wanaka is influenced by Lake Wanaka’s moderating effect, producing delicate, perfumed Pinot Noir with floral aromas, fine tannins, and crisp acidity.
Bendigo: The Bold and Powerful Pinot Noir Region
One of the warmest and sunniest sub-regions, Bendigo is known for rich, full-bodied Pinot Noir, featuring intense dark fruit, spice, and robust tannins. Its steep, north-facing vineyards allow for excellent sun exposure and ripening
Alexandra: The Extreme Climate Pioneer
As the southernmost and most climatically extreme sub-region, Alexandra produces elegant yet structured wines with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a distinct mineral-driven finish. Its hot summers and freezing winters create wines with exceptional aging potential.
