Wine, Food and Produce
THE UNFORGIVING CLIMATE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING.
It takes a particular type of character to thrive in our extreme climate. The good news is, that character is the pinot noir grape. Central Otago is the highest, driest, hottest, coldest wine growing region on the planet. It also happens to produce some of the finest wines. While you can find them all over the world, right here is where they taste best.
It’s true, it's hard to say Central Otago without saying Pinot Noir, but what about succulent summer fruits, crisp apples, fruit juice nectars, organic vegetables, wild thyme, fragrant herbs, world class saffron, extra virgin olive oils, creative sweet treats, tender merino lamb, flavoursome game meat and tangy preserves?
The gastronomic bounty produced here in Central Otago, forever breaks new frontiers: new varieties and new foods, flavour intensities, subtleties and combinations, technological innovation, and niche and international markets. While, tantalising aromas, unadulterated, vibrant flavours and authentic textures conjure notions of long hot summers, leisurely gatherings and laughter amongst friends and family.
Go on, discover our local flavours, and reward your tastebuds.
Experiences & Tours
Wine & Food
A visit or tour to the producer or cellar door is often more personal than going to a store or a restaurant, as you are likely to meet the growers and/or the winemaker.
Pubs, Bars & Bistros
Wine & Food
Country hotels and pubs in Central Otago offer quality hearty fare; warming, filling, home-style meals, you're also likely to have a good yarn with the locals.
Wineries & Vineyards
Wine & Food
The home of Central Otago pinot noir is not your local supermarket.
Artisan Food & Markets
Wine & Food
Locally grown produce to tempt the taste buds? Foodies will be rewarded by a range of boutique products, produced with passion from across Central Otago.
Cafes
Wine & Food
Hidden behind the doors of many renovated buildings are Cafés offering a relaxed atmosphere, quality coffee, and mouthwatering treats.
Casual Dining & Takeaways
Wine & Food
Take away or dine in. If you're looking for a quick meal to satisfy your cravings then there are options with staples like burgers, chips, pizzas and other international cuisines.
Orchards & Fruit Stalls
Wine & Food
Find what's in season and taste it straight from the tree. Fresh cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, pears and apples - only available for a short period time.
Breweries
Wine & Food
Share our flavours #centralotagonz #eattastecentral #pinotcentral
Artisan Food Story
Artisan food makers, with their local markets and tiny stores, don’t require you to read the labels - they’re happy to share the knowledge of where, and how lovingly these products are made.
Eat.Taste.Central
Head to Central Otago in Spring for the annual Eat.Taste.Central celebration. A month long event where you can take your palate to somewhere it hasn’t been before.
OUR REGIONAL VALUES
Make a Difference
Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges.
Respecting Others
Take the time to listen and understand other people’s opinions and cultural differences.
Embracing Diversity
Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings.
Adding Value
Always ask ourselves is there a better way – one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction.
Having Integrity
Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions.
Learning from the past
Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind.
Making a sustainable difference
Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of.
Protecting our rich heritage
Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage.
Meeting our obligations
Do the right thing by our region and check what legal requirements need to be met before you get started.
Wineries & Vineyards
It takes a particular type of character to thrive in our extreme climate. The good news is, that character is the pinot noir grape. Central Otago is the highest, driest, hottest, coldest wine growing region on the planet. It also happens to produce some of the finest wines. While you can find them all over the world, right here is where they taste best.