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Central Otago wine region

The Central Otago region is famous for producing exceptional Pinot Noirs, with many award-winning wines coming out of this area. The region is also renowned for growing excellent grapes to produce Chardonnays & other aromatic whites & Rosés.

Our wineries here in Wānaka are often overshadowed by our neighbours in Bannockburn & Gibbston Valley, but our vineyards are producing some delicious drops.

Whether it’s Summer & the hot temperatures demand a refreshingly chilled glass of Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc, or it’s Winter time and you’d prefer an award-winning Pinot Noir snuggled up in front of the fire, there is something for everyone. Whatever it is that takes your fancy, there will be Wānaka wine that will suit your palate. Here’s a list of our local vineyards below where you can experience some delightful Wānaka wine.

Autumn at Rippon (for WWT)

Aitken’s Folly – located on Riverbank Road with the cellar door open daily 12-5pm. They offer wine tasting 6 days a week. Our pick for the season is their Chardonnay 2022 – with warm & intriguing aromas, it’s a well balanced elegant wine. Pair this with seafood, poultry & pork.

Akitu – located in Mt Barker, Wanaka. Although there is no-onsite tasting available. This wine is certainly worth hunting down in the local stores. Our pick for the season is their Pinot Noir Blanc 2023 – it is a light straw yellow colour with a rose gold hue. Perfectly matched with grilled squid.

Maude Wines – their tasting room is located on Golf Course Road, offering tastings on the hour with bookings recommended. Wines are available by the bottle or the glass. Our pick is their Mt Maude Pinot Gris 2019 – a textural & fuller bodied wine & a must try for chardonnay lovers wanting to dabble in something new!

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Nanny Goat Vineyard – the tasting rooms are located just a 15 min drive from Wānaka offering tasting from 11am-5pm Friday to Tuesday. They recommend bookings with groups over 6. Our pick is their Cross Breed 2023 (a blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris & Muscat). A gentle wine with a pleasant finish with hints of white peach & fennel. Match this with a baked salmon dish.

Paddons Paddock Winery – their tasting rooms & bar is open 5 days a week during summer months (December to March) from Wednesday to Sunday. There is a lovely outdoor area to sun yourself or hide under the shade of the trees. Their wine tasting includes four different wines at a cost of $20. Our pick is their Jac’s Fault Rosé 2022. A vibrant pink colour, less sweet than some Rosés with the full the deep flavours of Pinot Noir. Well matched with lighter cheeses, like feta & mozzarella.

Rippon Vineyard – a stunning setting on the shores of Lake Wānaka & home to some of the region’s oldest vines. Their winery is open for tasting 7 days a week from 12-5pm. There is no fee for the tasting but you do need to book via their online calendar. Our pick is their Rippon Gewurztraminer 2022 – a lavishly textured & slightly creamy white wine. Well matched with a gruyere cheese or some spicy shrimp.

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If you’re staying in Wānaka, why not take advantage of a wine tour with Wānaka Wine Tours, or Wanahaka Wine Tours & Maori Culture? Wine tasting is an excellent way to experience different wines that a winery or vineyard may offer. It provides an opportunity to have small, sample glasses of different styles & a variety of flavours which can help you decide if you’d like to take a bottle home with you.