The Nockie’s Palette wine series was conceived as an idea where “art meets wine.” The artist and artisan combine talents to produce something extraordinary. Nockie’s Palette believes it is the artist or artisan who contributes the most value in the production of something truly great… both in Art and in Wine!
The meaning of “palette” can be extended beyond paints and actual colours to include figurative colours. A musician can use a palette of tones and modes. A winemaker can use a palette of tastes, smells and hues. The palette of Nockie’s wines currently consists of Chardonnay, GSM, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Rosé Brut and Shiraz.
The Place
Nockies Palette have two vineyards in Central Otago. In 2017, Nockie’s Palette Wines took a significant leap forward by acquiring the historic Georgetown Vineyard, expanding its portfolio to include Pinot Noir and Pinot Rosé. The Georgetown Vineyard occupies a truly special site, distinguished by its unique location. The gentle yet consistent airflow through the gorge has provided remarkable protection against frost damage, making it one of the rare vineyards in Central Otago without the need for wind machines. The meticulous management of Georgetown Vineyard, with its close planting and precise care, adds to its allure.
In 2020, Nockie’s Palette developed Willowbell Vineyard at Queensberry. Nestled in Central Otago’s Queensberry, an exceptional terroir thrives, renowned for its superb Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.This is a region that all local wine producers are excited about.The secret of this sub-region lies in the unique pigburn soils formed by glacial activity during the ice age, creating an ideal foundation for grape cultivation. These soils possess a diverse and complex composition, nurturing vine growth and grape production. Situated within Central Otago offers further advantages to Queensberry’s winemaking success.
The Nockie’s Palette wine maker is PJ Charteris – Born and raised near Wanaka, New Zealand, PJ has over two decades of winemaking experience in both Australia and New Zealand. What sets PJ apart from other winemakers is his ability to craft wines of finesse and elegance while not trying to hide from the fruit weight and power naturally found in the wines of the region. These days PJ is regarded as producing some of the finest Pinot Noirs in NZ. Tim Turvey from Clearview Estate makes the bright, light golden-yellow, full-bodied Nockie’s Palette Chardonnays. A Shiraz and GSM from the Barossa Valley in Australia, are made by John Duval, legendary in the Barossa Valley… for 17 years John was chief winemaker for Australia’s largest wine company which included brands such as Penfolds.
Visit the Cellar Door
Indulge yourself with the delightful boutique wines, in an arty and aesthetic atmosphere, with stunning views of the English country-style garden and Lake Hayes with Coronet Peak as a perfect backdrop. Nockie’s Palette provide a wide range of activities – Wine Tastings by glass/bottle and a delicious cheese platter in the blossoming garden, Wine & Paint / Art classes and it is a great venue for private functions too – https://nockiespalette.com/cellardoor
Join the Wine Club or Shop Online
To explore the range and purchase wine online visit
https://nockiespalette.com/shop-nz
The Nock Art Foundation
Nockie’s Palette is associated with the Nock Art Foundation, which sponsors artist residency programs around the region every year. To highlight the parallels between the art and artisan of winemaking, Nockie’s Palette uses original artworks on its labels. On the Shiraz are the paintings of Euan Macleod and Michael Nock.
The paintings on the Georgetown Pinot Noirs are by Kiwi artist Reg Mombassa. John Peart’s masterpiece is on the gorgeous Pinot Rosé. In addition to the residencies, the Foundation sponsors selected art prizes and scholarships, as well as unique artist projects working with established and mid-career artists. Learn about the Nock Art Foundation here: https://www.nockartfoundation.com/
JB’s Reviews
Nockie’s Palette ‘Georgetown’ Single Vineyard Rosé Pinot Noir 2025, Central Otago NZ
Shiny, pretty mid salmon pink in colour with pale orange hues. The nose is aromatic & fruity, fresh cherry, strawberry, crisp apple & spice / smoker lollies! A fresh & juicy palate has flavours of red summer berries & ripe cherries, there’s a crisp acid line & fine tannins, nice grip & concentration, & a long dry finish. Excellent – previously tasted the 2017 & 2018 vintages this is excellent too.
Nockie’s Palette ‘Willowbell’ Chardonnay 2023, Central Otago NZ
Bright straw-gold in colour with soft green hues, medium viscosity. In the nose, lush stone-fruit, peach & nectarine, bright lemon & grape-fruity citrus aromas, subtle malo & barrel spice too. Medium weighted, creamy palate with ripe citrus & stone-fruit flavours, fine acidity & oak texture are nicely integrated & in balance, the finish is long & juicy with a nice grippy citrus zing at the end.
Nockie’s Palette ‘Willowbell’ Pinot Noir 2023, Central Otago NZ
Translucent, mid ruby to raspberry red in colour to the rim. In the nose, aromas of ripe dark plums, cherries & red berries, there’s a slight green / savoury earth note & oak spice too. Nicely weighted on the palate, sweet concentrated fruit reflecting the nose, a crunchy acidity, grippy tannins & fine grained oak all adding complexity & depth – a long bone dry intense finish – Very good.
Nockie’s Palette Pinot Noir 2019, Central Otago NZ
Semi translucent, dark ruby in colour, lighter at the rim, showing a little age, The nose is savoury & herbal / dried flowers, aromas of dark cherries & plums, a hint of earth, barrel spice, pepper. A weighty, powerful palate with ripe plum, cherry & berry flavours, silky tannins & a slightly grippy acidity. 11 months in oak age has added depth & complexity, a very textural, dry and persistent finish – Excellent!