Home to some 200 vineyards, Central Otago is an important wine producing region in New Zealand’s South Island, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world each year to its many vineyards and wine-cellars in search of that perfect vintage.

The lakeside town of Queenstown is widely regarded as the gateway to Central Otago (and a wonderful little holiday destination in its own right) and is the ideal home-base for anyone looking to explore the local wine country. Some of the best vineyards featuring award winning wines are either right in its backyard or less than an hour away by road.

It may surprise some to hear that large scale commercial wine production in New Zealand started as late as the mid 1990’s. Prior to that there were some small-scale vineyards that dabbled in wine making, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that local producers gained sufficient experience and know how to start wine making on a large scale. Focusing on quality over quantity, Central Otago only accounts for 2 to 3 percent of the total wine production of New Zealand, but they tend to produce exceptional varieties that win all the awards.

Just what makes this region of the world so conducive to the wine industry? It seems to be a combination of factors, mainly the South Island’s continental climate and unique soil make-up. Central Otago is the world’s southern most commercial wine growing region, producing mostly Pinot Noir (which accounts for 70% of all vineyards) and also Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Pinot gris, and Gewürztraminer. Small amounts of sparkling wine are also produced locally.

Tour companies offer visitors guided excursions of the best vineyards in the area – visiting the fields where the vines grow, sampling the wares at cellar door tastings, and enjoying a glass of the local vintage with an excellent meal at one of the highly rated winery restaurants. Organized bus tours are available for groups, or – if you want to make it really special – a private chauffeur driven vehicle or chartered helicopter can take you and a loved one on an unforgettable romantic wine-tasting trip.

When planning your next adventure to Central Otago’s wine country, look no further than Queenstown High View Apartments for all your accommodation needs. We offer modern, stylish studio, one and two bedroom apartments with all the amenities and modern conveniences of home (including on-suite bathroom and kitchen!). Guests love our tastefully furnished apartments with their incredible views of the lake and mountains. Get four-star luxury accommodation in the heart of Queenstown with High View Apartments!