Terroir of Bannockburn Wines | Tour Through Central Otago Subregions
Bannockburn: The Warm Heart of Central Otago
Bannockburn, located just south of Cromwell, is one of the warmest and driest sub-regions in Central Otago. Known for its rich gold mining history, this area has transformed into a powerhouse for premium Pinot Noir, producing some of the boldest and structured wines in the region.
With rolling vineyards, historic goldfields, and stunning landscapes, Bannockburn offers visitors a blend of history, scenery, and exceptional wine experiences.
Distance from Queenstown
Bannockburn is approximately 60 kilometers (50 minutes by car) from Queenstown, following State Highway 6 towards Cromwell.
The journey takes you through picturesque mountain ranges before opening up to Central Otago’s vast, arid landscape, where Bannockburn’s golden hills stretch towards the horizon.
If you're visiting Queenstown and don't have time to travel to Bannockburn, Kinross has a selection of wines from Bannockburn from our wine partners - Hawskhead, Valli, Wild Irishman and Kinross. We can show you Bannockburn's finest wines without needing to do a Bannockburn wine tour. We are located in the heart of Gibbston, which is halfway between Bannockburn and Queenstown.
Terroir: The Warmest and Driest Sub-Region
Bannockburn has low rainfall, high sunshine hours, and a warm, dry climate. These conditions create:
- Earlier ripening periods, leading to intense fruit concentration.
- Significant diurnal shifts, preserving acidity while achieving full ripeness.
- Schist and loess soils, providing excellent drainage and adding minerality to the wines.
The semi-arid environment, combined with carefully managed irrigation, allows winemakers to craft complex, expressive wines with a distinctive sense of place.
What Makes Bannockburn Pinot Noir Special?
Pinot Noir from Bannockburn is known for being:
- Medium- full-bodied and richly textured, with bold structure.
- Dark fruit-driven, featuring black cherry, plum, and blackberry.
- Earthy and spicy, with hints of dried herbs, tobacco, and minerality.
- Age-worthy, developing complexity over time.
Why Visit Bannockburn?
Beyond its exceptional Pinot Noir, Bannockburn offers a range of attractions and activities:
- Gold mining heritage – Explore the Bannockburn Sluicings, a rugged landscape shaped by 19th-century gold miners. on the way stop in to Panners for a unique Central Otago Mining experience.
- Boutique cellar doors – Home to some of Central Otago’s most respected wineries, with intimate tastings and vineyard experiences. Kinross would recommend our friends at Felton Road.
- Cycling and hiking – The region offers stunning trails, including those connecting Bannockburn to Cromwell and the wider Otago Central Rail Trail.
- Cromwell is known for its amazing fruit... not only wine but the cherries and stone fruit are out of this world and are shipped all over the world for its A-grade or ceremonial grade fruit. Make sure you stop into a fruit stall when passing though.
Taste Bannockburn Wines at Kinross, in Gibbston
If you're visiting Queenstown and don't have time to travel to Bannockburn, Kinross offers a curated selection of Bannockburn wines from our esteemed wine partners—Hawkshead, Valli, Wild Irishman, and Kinross.
Located in the heart of Gibbston, halfway between Bannockburn and Queenstown, our cellar door allows you to experience Bannockburn’s bold, structured Pinot Noir without the need for a long drive. Let us take you on a sensory journey through Bannockburn’s terroir, showcasing the region’s finest wines right here at Kinross. We often have a Bannockburn wine at our Cellar Door, But after explaining our full range on our website here , if you had a particular wine in mind, please go to our wine store located by the bistro for a more casual sip tasting.
