Terroir of Bendigo Wines | Tour Through Central Otago Subregions

Bendigo: The Bold and Powerful Pinot Noir Region

A high-altitude vineyard paradise, Bendigo, located east of Lake Dunstan, is one of the warmest and sunniest sub-regions in Central Otago. Known for its steep, north-facing vineyards and semi-arid climate, Bendigo produces some of the most intensely flavoured and structured Pinot Noir in the region.

Once a historic gold mining settlement, Bendigo has transformed into a premier wine destination, with vineyards spread across its rugged hills and terraces. Its powerful, fruit-driven wines and dramatic landscapes make it an essential stop for wine lovers seeking bold, expressive Pinot Noir.

Distance from Queenstown

Bendigo is approximately 75 kilometers (1 hour by car) from Queenstown, via State Highway 6 and State Highway 8.

The drive takes you through Cromwell and along the shores of Lake Dunstan, offering stunning views of Central Otago’s vast, sun-soaked hills and mountains.

Terroir: The Warmest Pinot Noir Sub-Region

Bendigo’s vineyards sit at some of the highest elevations in Central Otago, and its terroir is shaped by:

• North-facing slopes that maximize sunshine and warmth.
• Low rainfall and semi-arid conditions, creating small, concentrated berries.
• Large diurnal shifts, preserving acidity despite warm days.
• Schist, sand, and loess soils, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity.

The result? Deeply structured wines with intense fruit concentration and bold tannins.

What Makes Bendigo Pinot Noir Special?

• Powerful and full-bodied, with great intensity and depth.
• Rich dark fruit flavors, including blackberry, plum, and black cherry.
• Robust tannins, providing excellent aging potential.
• Earthy, spicy notes, with hints of dried herbs, licorice, and minerality

Why Visit Bendigo?

Bendigo offers stunning scenery and a unique mix of history and wine:

• Historic gold mining sites – Explore the Bendigo Historic Reserve, where remnants of the gold rush still remain.
  
• Boutique wineries – Visit some of Central Otago’s most prestigious and highly acclaimed vineyards. Check out our friends at Prophet's Rock while you are there. 

Taste Bendigo Wines at Kinross

If you’re visiting Queenstown and don’t have time to explore Bendigo, you can still experience its bold, structured Pinot Noir at Kinross. We proudly represent top wineries from across Central Otago, like Valli, that produce wines from grapes Bendigo at our cellar door in Gibbston. Join us for a guided tasting and discover why Bendigo’s wines are some of the most powerful in Central Otago.