The Central Otago Wine Cellar

Central Otago is comprised of four distinctive sub-regions separated by mountains and deep gorges. The Cromwell basin accounts for approx. 70% of the region’s vineyards and includes Bannockburn in the south, Lowburn, Wanaka Road and Bendigo to the north. Approximately 20% of the plantings are found around Gibbston where most vines occupy steep north-facing fans and terraces above the dramatic Kawarau Gorge. In the southwest of the region are Clyde and Alexandra, with vines nestled among rugged schist tors in a dry intermontane basin. The remainder of the vines (less than 3%) are located around Wanaka - the famous and much photographed scene of vineyards running down to the shore of the lake against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains and glaciers.

Click on the hotlinks on the map above, or on the links below for more information about the subregions:

Gibbston - The first location to be planted in Pinot Noir, Gibbston is a north facing valley slope of The Kawarau Gorge, as it falls from Queenstown to Cromwell. The coolest of the sub regions, and visually very dramatic, it produces a distinctive intensity from the later harvest grapes produced here. more...

Wanaka - The most northerly and one of the most beautiful sub regions. Wanaka is cooler than some, but often has a good frost record because of the influence of the stunning lake. more...

Cromwell Basin - The Cromwell Basin has grown over recent years to become the centre of the Central Otago wine industry - it is the location of most of the major winery facilities, freighting companies, wine bottling and storage facilities. Vineyards flourish on warm sweeping slopes from Bannockburn in the south to Lowburn, Mount Pisa and Bendigo, as well as further up the Clutha River, near Tarras and Luggate. more...

Bannockburn - Currently the most intensively planted of the microclimates, Bannockburn is a North facing crescent bordering the Kawarau River as it flows across the base of the Cromwell valley to its meeting with the Clutha River. A warm site, which like Alexandra has a long fruit growing tradition. Famous for its gold mining. more...
Lowburn - This area stretches from the township of Lowburn up the Greater Cromwell valley for some 25 kilometres. It has the largest areas of potential grape land, but very few northerly slopes for such a large area. As it is one of the warmer regions, Pinot Noir seems to ripen here without the need of slopes. more...
Bendigo - Bendigo is possibly the warmest sub region, though only recently planted. Bendigo consists of a North facing ridge at the junction of the Cromwell and Lindis valleys, with more gentle Northerly slopes below it. Many wineries based elsewhere in Central Otago are growing fruit here. more...

Alexandra - The most southerly sub region, Alexandra would be in the middle of the heat range of Central Otago microclimates. Spreading from gentle hills to wild rocky escarpments, it is probably the most varied as well. This was one of the earlier sub regions to be explored and planted. more...

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Central Otago Wine Cellar, Strathburn Farm, 5 Swann Road, RD2, Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand
Phone: 0800OTAGOWINE +64 (3) 445 0846, Fax +64 (3) 445 0840,
Email:

CENTRAL OTAGO SUBREGIONS