Best Wineries in Otago

Otago is a region where dramatic landscapes and world-class wines go hand in hand. Home to the southernmost vineyards in the world, it has earned global recognition for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir anywhere. With hot summer days, crisp alpine nights and long ripening seasons, the wines here are as bold and expressive as the mountains that surround them.

Visiting the best wineries in Otago isn’t just about tasting exceptional wine — it’s about immersing yourself in a region where every cellar door tells a story. From rustic woolsheds and underground wine caves to cutting-edge architecture and family-run vineyards, Otago offers an unforgettable mix of flavour, history and scenery. Whether you’re on a campervan road trip, cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail or settling in for a long lunch with a view, the wineries of Central Otago and Gibbston Valley deliver experiences as memorable as the wines themselves.

Central Otago – Dramatic Landscapes, Unforgettable Pinot Noir

We’re starting in the south with our absolute favourite wine region — Central Otago. With its bold landscapes, unforgettable Pinot Noirs and laid-back cellar doors, it’s a place that keeps calling us back. Otago sits at the southernmost tip of Aotearoa – New Zealand, boasting some of the world’s most compelling cool-climate Pinot Noir — rich, perfumed and bursting with mountain fruit.

Thanks to its continental climate — warm days, cool nights and long ripening seasons — Central Otago wines have clarity, structure and depth. Paired with dramatic scenery of pine-crested ridges, alpine lakes and Gold Rush-era towns, every tasting here feels cinematic.

Why We Love Central Otago

• Wines that are vibrant yet elegant – Central Otago’s unique climate produces wines that balance intensity with refinement. Long sunshine hours allow grapes to ripen fully, while cool alpine nights preserve fresh acidity and delicate aromatics. The result is Pinot Noir with depth, clarity and grace, alongside crisp whites that shine with energy.
• A landscape as bold as the wines – The vineyards sit among alpine peaks, turquoise lakes, and rugged valleys, creating scenery that feels almost cinematic. Rolling hillsides, dramatic river gorges and trails lined with Gold Rush history make the journey to each cellar door part of the adventure. Every sip is a reminder of the land that shaped it.
• Cellar doors that mix rustic charm with world-class flavour – Here, tasting wine is about more than just the glass. Some wineries welcome you into converted woolsheds or underground caves, while others showcase architectural designs that rival art galleries. Yet in every cellar door, the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and authentic — a reflection of both Otago’s people and its wines.

🍇 Top Wineries Around Bannockburn & Cromwell

Mt Difficulty – Bannockburn Classic

Perched high above Bannockburn’s rugged slopes, Mt Difficulty is one of Central Otago’s most iconic names. The winery began in the 1990s when a group of pioneering grape growers joined forces, planting on what was then considered challenging, rocky terrain. Today, it’s a powerhouse of the region, known for producing Pinot Noir with bold structure and vibrant aromatics.

The Roaring Meg Pinot Noir is a crowd favourite, bursting with dark cherry, wild thyme, and spice, while their Single Vineyard Series shows off the complexity of Bannockburn’s terroir. The cellar door itself offers panoramic views over the Kawarau Valley, making it just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Mt Difficulty balances elegance with approachability, ensuring both casual tasters and serious collectors feel at home.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Roaring Meg Pinot Noir + Single Vineyard Series.
• Best for: Sweeping views and a classic Central Otago tasting experience.
• Tip: Book ahead in summer – the cellar door is one of the busiest in Bannockburn.

Rabbit Ranch – Fun & Playful Pinot

Rabbit Ranch brings a sense of fun and laid-back charm to Bannockburn’s wine scene. The name nods to the wild rabbits that once roamed the land and its branding is cheeky and light-hearted, matching the wines themselves. The Pinot Noir here is fruit-forward, juicy and low in tannins, designed for immediate enjoyment rather than long-term cellaring.

The cellar door has a relaxed, welcoming feel, perfect for sipping a glass in the sun after exploring the local trails. Rabbit Ranch is proof that great wine doesn’t always have to be serious — it can be playful, approachable and just plain delicious. Their range also includes a crisp Rosé that’s perfect on a warm Otago afternoon.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Light, fruit-forward Pinot Noir.
• Best for: A casual, sunny afternoon tasting.
• Tip: Their Rosé is a great summer pick — crisp, fresh, and fun.

Terra Sancta – Bannockburn Mystery

Terra Sancta, meaning “sacred earth,” is a vineyard steeped in both history and personality. Set on land that once drew gold miners seeking fortune, it now produces wines that shine with Bannockburn’s distinctive character. The Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir is a standout, fragrant and intense, layered with red berry and floral notes that echo the wild terrain it’s grown in.

What sets Terra Sancta apart is its sense of story — everything here feels connected to the land and its past. The vineyard also produces aromatic whites and rosé, but it’s the Pinot Noir that has made its mark internationally. With a rustic, down-to-earth tasting experience and wines that reflect both place and history, Terra Sancta appeals to travellers who want more than just a tasting — they want a connection.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir.
• Best for: Storytelling and wines that reflect Bannockburn’s rugged landscape.
• Tip: Ask about the history of the vineyard — it’s built on old gold mining land.

🍇 Top Wineries in Gibbston Valley

Two Paddocks – Sam Neill’s Organic Gem

Founded by actor Sam Neill, Two Paddocks is a certified organic winery producing expressive, terroir-driven Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from several sub-regions of Otago, each adding unique character to their wines. The cellar door is as welcoming as it is beautiful, reflecting Sam’s passion for the land. For those who want wine with a touch of celebrity and authenticity, Two Paddocks is a standout.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Estate Pinot Noir from organic vineyards.
• Best for: Fans of terroir-driven wines and a touch of celebrity sparkle.
• Tip: Try tastings from different sub-regions — each bottle tells its own story of Otago.

Mt Rosa – Rustic Charm in Gibbston

Housed in a converted woolshed, Mt Rosa combines rustic atmosphere with serious winemaking. Known for bold Pinot Noir and bright Pinot Gris, tastings here feel authentic and relaxed. It’s the kind of place where you can chat with locals, enjoy hearty flavours and appreciate the down-to-earth side of Central Otago.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Bold Pinot Noir and bright Pinot Gris.
• Best for: Rustic atmosphere and hearty flavours.
• Tip: Enjoy a platter with your tasting — it’s the perfect way to slow down and take in the woolshed setting.

Gibbston Valley Winery – Legendary & Historic

As one of Otago’s oldest wineries, Gibbston Valley has a reputation that stretches far and wide. Famous for its underground wine cave, it offers a tasting experience like no other. Pair that with a restaurant serving long, leisurely lunches and bike hire that lets you explore the Gibbston trails and you’ve got a full-day destination that blends history with hospitality.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Gibbston Pinot Noir, plus their Chardonnay.
• Best for: Exploring the underground wine cave and long lunches at the restaurant.
• Tip: Combine your tasting with a bike hire to ride through Gibbston Valley’s scenic vineyard trails.

Peregrine Wines – Where Architecture Meets Nature

Peregrine is as striking to look at as it is to taste. Its award-winning Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay are produced with strong sustainability values. The cellar door’s architectural design, shaped like a falcon’s wing, mirrors the native birds that soar above the Gibbston Valley. It’s a must for travellers who appreciate wine, nature and design in harmony.

Good to Know:

• Signature wine: Award-winning Pinot Noir, plus Riesling and Chardonnay.
• Best for: Wine lovers who appreciate stunning architecture and sustainability.
• Tip: Don’t miss the cellar door design — shaped like a falcon’s wing, it’s as striking as the wines themselves.

👉 Want more inspiration? Check out our full guide to the Best Wineries in New Zealand to see how Otago compares to Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and beyond.

🚐 Why Wine Lovers & Campervan Travellers Adore Otago

• Stunning drives and cycle trails like the Lake Dunstan Trail and Bannockburn Steam Incline Walk.
• Freedom camping spots and boutique stays close to vineyards, making it easy to combine tasting with travel.
• A region where ancient geology, gold rush history and alpine wilderness come together in every glass.

👉 Ready to taste for yourself? Take a Guided Wine tour in Otago — from Cromwell to Gibbston Valley — with handpicked tours and tastings

🌟 Final Thoughts

Otago’s wineries offer far more than just a tasting — they’re an immersion in landscape, history and culture. From rustic woolsheds to underground wine caves and cutting-edge architecture, each cellar door tells a story of the land it grows on. Whether you’re touring in a campervan, cycling between vineyards or settling in for a long lunch, the experience of wine in Otago is as unforgettable as the wines themselves.

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