The Waitaki wine region in North Otago is a relatively new and unexplored area but is now more accessible via Waitaki Wine Tours.
Leaving from Oamaru, WAITAKI WINE TOURS takes you on an informative 5 hour journey through the Waitaki Valley wine region. Visit boutique vineyards to taste the wine, meet the people and discover this regions rich history. Tours are small and intimate with a max of 6ple but larger groups can be accommodated. Every Tour is personalized and unique.
Visit award winning “Boutique Vineyards”, historic landmarks and scenic spots nestled in the Waitaki Valley located in North Otago departing from Oamaru.
The first plantings in the region were Pinot Noir in 2001. There are currently 12 labels being produced in the Waitaki Valley. On the edge climatically, these small, intensely managed north facing vineyards are densely planted, have low yields and produce great concentration of flavours. Cooler evenings assure high levels of crisp acidity.
The unique soil structure is rich in alluvial greywacke, schist and littered with limestone giving it a distinctive minerality and complex fruit flavours to these cool climate wines. Wine experts compare the Waitaki Valley conditions to be similar in terrior to Burgundy + Alsace in France.
These conditions are both challenging and rewarding but vineyards are producing great Aromatic wines. This area is attracting top NZ winemakers to purchase land or use contract growers, so they may add these unique flavours to their portfolios. The main varieties are: Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Tours are small and intimate with a max of 6 people. (Larger groups can be accommodated. Please make contact to discuss).
As these are boutique vineyards you will get the opportunity to get up close with the people behind the labels and share their passion and stories.
Sit back in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle and discover “New Zealand’s newest wine region”.
To find out more visit http://waitakiwinetours.oamaru.net.nz/