Central Otago, New Zealand

Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand is best known its spectacular vineyards and premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape here. The region comprises a total of 1932 hectares, and the average yield is 10.5 tonnes per year - around 2.4% of New Zealand's wine production. Central Otago benefits from a semi-continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters and long dry autumns. The soil can vary considerably within each sub-region, though a stone-free draining base is most common.