New Zealand Report #4 • Central Otago, at the south end of New Zealand’s south island, is the southern-most wine growing region on the globe.  Because it is closest to the South Pole, this is a cool-climate area, despite its inland location.  Pinot dominates what is produced here, along with aromatic whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and a bit of the ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc.  

The landscape is dramatic, featuring hills with craggy outcroppings of rock, lakes, mountainous gorges and large, flat valleys as well.  The arid qualities feel a bit like the western United States and the extremes of climate here challenge wine growers.  But the variations in site profiles can lead to wines that are very expressive of terroir.

 We had the chance to check out three wineries:

Gibbston Valley Winery– Like most of the wineries in Central Otago, this one began in the 1980s.  It is distinguished by having grown and branched out, becoming a true destination featuring a large tasting room, wine cave tours and also a full-service restaurant.  The restaurant’s excellent food is creative and the range of wines is wide – from aromatic whites and Chardonnay through a large number of Pinots at every price point to a dessert wine made from Pinot Gris and even a method traditionelleblanc de blanc.  

Chard Farm– The name of this winery makes one think that they must specialize in Chardonnay.  But the name comes from Richard Chard, a 19th-century settler who was drawn to New Zealand by a gold rush in 1862.  Through the years this land has been used for various kinds of working farms and as an orchard for stone fruit.  Since the late-1980s it has been a family-run vineyard. Fruit is sourced from the original farm property and also several other vineyards sprinkled across the Central Otago region.  The result is no fewer than six site-specific versions of Pinot Noir.  The cellar door is friendly tasting experience.  It resulted in shipping a case of wine back to the states.

Mount Edward– Established in the late 1990s, Mount Edward offers a dazzling array of wine varietals alongside this area’s expected Pinot Noir and Riesling.  This is a consortium of wine makers, really, operating out of what almost feels like a private residence.  Fruit is sourced from estate as well as other vineyards, all certified organic.  (Geek out with this PDF from their website!)  The wine is beautiful, as we expected from people who take wine makingso seriously.  They do not take themselves too seriously, however, as was evident from this t-shirt we were happy to purchase as we left: