No matter how one arrives at Queenstown, the hub of the Central Otago wine region, whether by air or by road, the lasting impression is one of awe. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and inspirational wine­growing regions in the world.

Central Otago is New Zealand‘s highest and most inland wine region, and it is the only one to enjoy a truly continental climate. The summers are hot and dry, the winters crisp and snowy. At latitude 45˚ south it is the world‘s most southern wine region, but it lies on the same parallel as some of France‘s most renowned appellations.

Central Otago was settled by Scottish immigrants. The economy was founded on sheep, grew prosperous on gold and now earns much of its living from farming, stone fruit, orchards, tourism and increasingly from wine. In the last decade the pace of vineyard development has been frantic. Plantings have grown from 46 hectares to almost 1200 hectares, making this southern outpost the fourth largest and fastest­growing wine region in the country.

The Central Otago wine region consists of four, far­flung sub­regions:

¬Queenstown­Arrowtown­Gibbston

¬Cromwell­Bannochburn

¬Alexandra and

¬Wanaka.

They share similar conditions but there is a great diversity of soil types and mesoclimates, not just in the sub regions but in individual vineyard sites. The result is that each winery can offer an exciting selection of very individual wines, making the wine trails one of the most interesting to visit. The trails are also some of the most memorable in the world, with towering, snow­capped mountains, majestic lakes and spectacular gorges carved by fastflowing rivers.

The undoubted highlight of the region is its perfumed, richly flavoured and supple Pinot Noir wines, which have won countless awards and accolades across the world.

Pinot Noir is the dominant variety but the region also produces excellent Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris. These are quite different to those grown in northern regions, as they display the fruit intensity and vibrancy that characterises cool­climate wines. The wineries of all four sub­regions have excellent visitor facilities, including cafes, world­class restaurants and views to die for.

Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, is the hub of Central Otago‘s thriving tourist industry, but it has retained the feel of a small town. It is surrounded by mountains, and is a great base to explore the region. There is a wide range of excellent accommodation and dining in Queenstown and all four sub­regions, including farm stays and lodges.

Central Otago has enough challenging activities and things to see, do and enjoy to keep any visitor entertained for weeks.