Pinot noir country: a tour of Central Otago vineyards and cellar doors
4 Apr, 2021 02:00 AM
8 minutes to read
Wooing Tree vineyard, Central Otago. Photo / Central Otago
NZ Herald
By: Phil Parker
Over the past 20 years or so, Central Otago has established itself as New Zealand s pinot noir wine region. The area was previously better known as a winter sports playground, but now wine is a major drawcard in addition to the ruggedly beautiful alpine scenery, stunning mirrored lakes, and numerous near-death experience adrenaline sport options.
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As with most overnight successes, Central Otago has been many years in the making. Frenchman Jean Desire Feraud planted the first grapes in Clyde in 1864, winning a prize in an 1881 Sydney wine competition. In 1885 an Italian viticulturalist, Romeo Bragato, visited Central Otago and pronounced it suitable for grape growing.