vinyards

Wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain. The vineyards of Central Otago are the southern most in the world     The growing recognition for New Zealand Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine, Reisling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines. Nowhere else in New Zealand are vineyards found in such diverse and rugged locations - clinging to the sides of steep river gorges, flowing gracefully to the shores of spectacularly beautiful lakes and sprouting from jagged, rocky hillsides. A continental type climate prevails at around 300 metres above sea level protected from coastal weather by high snow capped mountains.

The cold winters, hot dry summers and cool sunny autumns provide near perfect growing conditions. These and other fine wines stocked by Allan and Barbara Hamilton at their Cellars    GIBBSTON VALLEY winery and vineyard restaurant is located in the Kawarau Gorge 25 kilometres from Queenstown on the main Queenstown-Cromwell highway. Now featuring New Zealand's largest wine cave with daily tours and tastings. The first grapes were planted here in 1981 and the first commercial wine produced in 1987. Since the company opened its winery and restaurant complex in 1990 it has consisently produced medal winning wines and has become one of Queenstown's key tourist attractions. The wines produced are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The complex is open daily for wine tasting from 10.00am - 5:30pm. Lunch is available from Noon - 3.00pm. Kawarau Estate has two vineyards -- the 2.5 hectare Morven Hill Vineyard overlooking Lake Hayes and the 5.7 hectare Dunstan Vineyard situated just North of Lowburn on the Cromwell-Wanaka Highway. Both vineyards operate under BIO-GRO certified organic principles. The Directors are unashamedly trying to produce the highest quality grapes from the two vineyard sites. Grapes varieties have been chosen to meet the climatic characteristics of both sites - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Gewurztraminer. The Company's first vintage (1995) of Morven Hill, Gewurztraminer is available in limited quantities by mail order. Chard Farm was established in 1987 by Rob and Greg Hay. The highly acclaimed and dramatically aspected vineyard is planted in classic central European varities - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. If you enjoy cool climate wines with an elegant yet assertive style, then Chard Farm is a must to visit. Some of their top wines, including "Judge and Jury" Chardonnay and "Bragato" Reserve Pinot Noir are available for purchase. Cellar doors sales 11am-5pm daily. Located 20kms from Queenstown -- just past the Bungy bridge. Winery tours and bus groups are by appointment only. Terrestrial and extra terrestrial visitation welcome! Tel +64 3 442 6110 á Fax +64 3 441 8400. Bemdemeer Hayes Lake Winery Mount Edward Winery Peregrine Wines Taramea Wines