Terroir of Alexandra Wines | Tour Through Central Otago Subregions
Alexandra: The Extreme Climate Pioneer of Central Otago
A historic wine region with a unique climate, Alexandra, the southernmost sub-region of Central Otago, is known for its extreme climate, rugged landscapes, and deep-rooted history. With hot summers, freezing winters, and low rainfall, Alexandra produces delicate yet intensely flavoured Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity and very fine tannins.
As one of Central Otago’s oldest wine-growing areas, Alexandra’s viticultural history dates back to the 1860s gold rush, when early settlers planted the region’s first vines. Today, its small but passionate wineries craft elegant, terroir-driven wines in a landscape defined by rocky outcrops, schist soils, and the Clutha River.
Distance from Queenstown
Alexandra is approximately 90 kilometers (1 hour and 15 minutes by car) from Queenstown, via State Highway 6 and State Highway 8.
The journey winds through Gibbston, Cromwell, and Clyde, offering spectacular views of rolling hills, historic mining areas, and the vast Clutha River.
Terroir: The Most Extreme Climate in Central Otago
Alexandra experiences Central Otago’s most dramatic temperature shifts, which shape the character of its wines:
- Hot, dry summers with intense sunshine, allowing full fruit ripeness.
- Cold winters and spring frosts, creating challenges for vineyard management.
- Large diurnal temperature variations, helping to retain acidity and freshness.
- Schist and alluvial soils, forcing vines to work harder, leading to lower yields but greater concentration of flavour.
These conditions result in highly aromatic wines with bright fruit and minerality.
What Makes Alexandra Pinot Noir Special?
- Perfumed and elegant, with floral and herbal aromas.
- Delicate yet structured, showcasing bright red fruit flavors.
- Fine tannins and crisp acidity, giving wines freshness and longevity.
- A strong sense of minerality, influenced by the region’s schist-based soils.
Why Visit Alexandra?
Alexandra’s rugged landscapes and extreme climate make it one of Central Otago’s most distinctive wine destinations.
- Visit Historic Clyde – Wander through its charming streets, explore the Dunstan House, and stop for coffee at the beloved Olivers Café & Bakery. Make sure you get a classic Central Otago Cheese Roll!
- Cycle the Clutha Gold Trail – Ride along the Clutha River, past orchards, vineyards, and historic gold-mining relics.
- Taste Unique Wines – Alexandra’s cool nights and rocky soils produce elegant, aromatic Pinot Noir and outstanding whites.
Taste Alexandra Wines at Kinross
If you're visiting Queenstown and don’t have time to travel to Alexandra, you can still experience its elegant, perfumed Pinot Noir at Kinross. We proudly showcase wineries from across Central Otago, including Wild Irishman, which has its home base in Alexandra.
Wild Irishman produces four premium wines from Alexandra, featuring both red and white varietals, each reflecting the region’s extreme terroir. In addition, Kinross offers an even wider selection of Alexandra wines waiting to be discovered at our cellar door in Gibbston, where we provide guided tastings to bring the essence of Alexandra to you.
Join us at Kinross and experience the refined elegance and vibrant character of Alexandra’s exceptional wines.
