Displaying items by tag: Central Otago

An ancient kōwhai atop a craggy hill face has inspired a decade-long planting programme at Northburn Vineyard in Central Otago.

The wine industry needs to stop "clinging to the debris of 'fine wine'" and instead speak in a language future customers can relate to, Nigel Greening told attendees at Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025.

In the late 1970s, Ann Pinckney defied the prevailing view that Central Otago's climate was too extreme for viticulture, establishing its first commercial vines since Jean Désiré Féraud’s first efforts more than a century later.

Valli celebrated a quarter century of winemaking this year, with the release of its 25th Anniversary Pinot Noir, made in 2022. Jen Parr, who’s been Winemaker at Valli since 2015, reflects on a year of challenges, rewards and rousing community spirit.

With a late frost last year, a hailstorm in February, and frost fighting in March, some subregions of Central Otago have been kept on their toes this season.

Matt Connell's winemaking palette includes colours from across Central Otago, from Gibbston and Alexandra, to Bendigo and Bannockburn.

Central Otago is likely to be the only wine region in New Zealand regretting the end of La Niña’s three-year reign, says consultant viticulturist Timbo Morrison-Deaker.

At the other extreme of the nation's weather stats, Central Otago had low rainfall from December through February, with 44.4mm of rain (37% of the LTA) in the 82 days from 1 December to 20 February.

Central Otago has enjoyed “almost picture perfect” vintages in recent years, and 2023 is shaping up to be another, says Viticulturist Timbo Deaker.

The Central Otago region is steeped in viticultural history.