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Central Otago: A Pinot Noir Pilgrimage Through New Zealand's Alpine Wine Country

Decanter is the world's leading wine magazine, based in the UK, covering wine culture and travel globally.

The route

11 stops·6 wineries · 2 restaurants · 2 hotels · 1 activity

1. 01

   WineryCentral Otago

   Amisfield Winery & Bistro

   Lake Hayes views pair perfectly with their stellar Pinot Noir and a trust-the-chef bistro menu celebrating local ingredients.

2. 02

   WineryCentral Otago

   Felton Road Wines

   Biodynamically farmed Bannockburn vineyards craft Pinot Noirs of remarkable depth and precision at this celebrated New Zealand estate.

3. 03

   Restaurant

   Bannockburn Hotel

   Historic gold-rush-era pub serving hearty New Zealand fare, beloved by locals for a relaxed lunch break in Bannockburn.

4. 04

   WineryOtago Region

   Mt Difficulty Wines

   Elevated Cromwell Basin views pair perfectly with expressive Pinot Noirs, crisp Pinot Gris, and elegant Riesling.

5. 05

   WineryCentral Otago

   Quartz Reef

   Bendikt Freimuth's biodynamic approach yields brilliant méthode traditionnelle sparklings and single-vineyard Pinot Noirs at this Cromwell boutique.

6. 06

   WineryMosel

   Ostler Vineyards

   Ostler's limestone slopes in Waitaki Valley coax impossibly elegant Pinot Noir and Riesling from cool-climate vines.

7. 07

   Restaurant

   Pitches Store

   Seasonal local cuisine meets 1880s charm in this restored schist stone café-restaurant tucked into Ophir's atmospheric heritage heart.

8. 08

   Hotel

   The Cardrona Hotel

   This restored 1863 gold-rush pub serves character stays and a celebrated garden bar in the Crown Range.

9. 09

   WineryOtago Region

   Rippon Vineyard

   Biodynamic Pinot Noir with a view that'll make you forget to swirl your glass at this Lake Wānaka stunner.

10. 10

    Activity

    Wānaka Lavender Farm & Cellar

    Swap wine glasses for lavender fields and artisan treasures in Wānaka's mountain backcountry, the perfect zen pause between tastings.

11. 11

    Hotel

    Kinross Cottages & Wine

    Luxe cottages nestled in Gibbston Valley vines offer direct tasting room access, perfect for serious wine-country stays.