The Pinot Noir Wine Experience is a red-only exploration of what Central Otago does best – a focused tasting designed for those who truly love Pinot Noir and want to understand why this region commands such global respect.

If you’re a Pinot Noir lover, Central Otago is already on your bucket list. This small, dramatic region at the southern edge of the world consistently produces some of the most awarded Pinot Noir wines on the planet, punching well above its weight on the international stage. Cool climates, extreme landscapes and diverse soils combine to create wines of purity, structure and unmistakable character.

In this guided tasting, you’ll sample a selection of Central Otago Pinot Noir wines from across our wine partners – Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman. Each taste tells part of the story, from the early pioneers who took bold risks planting Pinot Noir in an unproven region, to the modern makers refining site expression and subregional identity today.

Along the way, you’ll learn what sets Central Otago Pinot Noir apart: how elevation, climate and soil influence style; why Gibbston, Bannockburn and neighbouring subregions express Pinot so differently; and how winemaker philosophy shapes everything from fruit selection to texture and tannin. Expect insight, storytelling and context to match the wines in your glass.

Kinross has been named the winner of the Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award, recognising our wine experiences as the best in the country. Our knowledgeable Wine Advisors bring depth, warmth and perspective to the tasting, connecting you directly to the people and places behind each bottle.

This is not a general introduction – it’s a focused, red-only experience celebrating boutique local favourites alongside internationally recognised icons.

An essential experience for Pinot Noir enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of one of the world’s great Pinot regions.