Rippon
Rippon is a family farm overlooking Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Since 1912, the Mills family has farmed this land on the shores of Lake Wānaka. Rolfe and Lois Mills, pioneers of Central Otago wine-growing, first experimented with vines in the mid 1970s and began planting the vineyard out in 1982. Today, Rippon is farmed by the fourth generation of the Mills family and is fully certified biodynamic (Demeter) and organic (BioGro). The 6 grape varieties that grow today, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Osteiner, and Gamay are accurate reflections of this incredibly unique and distinct parcel of land through their wines.
Located less than 10 minutes drive from the Wanaka town Centre, with some of the worlds' most breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka and a well appointed Cellar Door, Rippon is a must see when visiting Wanaka.
Māori Point
Ringed by the Southern Alps and carved by glaciers, Māori Point rises from the banks of the Mata-Au (Clutha River), less than 30 minutes drive from Wanaka. Named for the Māori prospectors who panned for gold here in the 1860s, Māori Point was planted with 7 hectares of vines in 2002.
There are now two families devoted to this ecoystem: who study it, nurture it, and savour the wine it creates. Wild yeasts make their Pinot Noir, and they avoid filtering, processing, and minimise sulfite use. To pursue their ideal of natural wine, they grow the grapes and make the wine on site.
As an artisanal vineyard and winery (producing fewer than 4000 cases of wine per year), visitors to Māori Point will enjoy a unique wine experience. The award-winning wines range from intriguing sparkling wine, through classic Pinot Noir, to delectable dessert wine. Visitors can stroll among the vines, tour the vineyard and barrel hall, or simply enjoy wine tasting in the dedicated tasting room. They have cheese platters and local food items available. There is even a sand pit and play area for young ones!
Nanny Goat
Nanny Goat Vineyard & Cellar Door is located approximately 20 minutes from Wanaka in the Queensberry Sub Region, alongside the Mata Au/Clutha River at the base of the of the Northern end of the Pisa Mountain range. It is a 19.6 hectare estate planted in 2004 and 2005 with 75% Pinot Noir, 11% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Gris.
The Cellar Door offers a breath-taking setting in which to enjoy a selection of Nanny Goat Vineyard wines. One of their passionate Cellar Door team will take you through a tasting of the latest release wines and talk you through Alan Peters-Oswald’s winemaking philosophy in his pursuit of Pinot magic. They encourage all to linger awhile, savour a glass of wine, graze on options from the cellar door platter menu and enjoy the view. Nanny Goat Vineyard produces a selection of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir wines with a few special and limited releases including our Cross Breed Orange wine, Rose, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
The Cellar Door has a beautiful outdoor and indoor setting perfect to sample the wines, be it summer or winter and the platter style menu is curated from locally sourced produce.
Paddons Paddock
Paddons Paddock is Wanaka's newest winery & Cellar Door located less than 10 minutes from Wanaka. Chris and Jackie Paddon opened the tasting room and bar in November 2020. They offer wine tastings, platters and pizzas, beer and non alcoholic drinks at the well appointed, shabby chic venue.
Nestled amongst established silver birches overlooking the vines and mountains, the cellar door opens out onto a large grassy area, where you can sit and take in the views, while the kids play on the jungle gym.
In 2014 they planted Pinot Noir vines followed by the white varietals a year later.
The family produce five wine varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Gris, Chardonnay and Rose.
Maude
Maude is a family owned and operated wine company with it's roots firmly entrenched in Central Otago. Their first vines were planted in 1994 on the steep north facing slopes of the Maungwera Valley, just 10 minutes from Wanaka. The 4 hectare vineyard has become the pinnacle of the Maude brand and in fact, the Maude Reserves are exclusively sourced from the Mount Maude Vineyard.
The Maude Winery was built in 2006 in the industrial area of Wanaka, which helped Maude wines to continue to grow and they purchased additional vineyards in Lowburn and Queensberry, located just out of Wanaka.
The Maude Tasting Room sits just above the Wanaka township with gorgeous views over the lake and mountains. Their friendly staff can take you through the story of Maude Wines, sharing with you their intimate knowledge of what makes them so unique. You can try a tasting paddle, which has a selection of award winning Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosè, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Bubbles to choose from; or if you have more time grab a glass or bottle and enjoy some delicious small bites.
Aitkens Folly
Ian and Fiona are the owners and creators of Wanaka's most intimate vineyard and Cellar Door. The trained geologist's moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2008 with their young family and began planting vines on their gently undulating 3 hectare plot.
They produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose and Riesling from two Wanaka vineyards.
Located less than 10 minutes drive from Wanaka, Ian and Fiona welcome you into their home for a unique and personable wine tasting.
Their hospitality, knowledge and passion of their wines is a testament to their hard work and an experience not to be missed.
Roam Wanaka - Wanaka Wine Tours
Roam Wanaka operate private wine tours from Wanaka, visiting local wineries in the area as well as Cromwell, Bendigo, Bannockburn and Gibbston. Your host and guide Nick is passionate about the Central Otago region and it's wineries. Nick has spent many years enjoying Wanaka and the surrounds, seeking out the best Central Otago wineries, to ensure your tour with Roam Wanaka is an unforgettable one.
Get in touch to discuss a tour to suit your group.
roamwanaka.com info@roamwanaka.com +64 21 226 4350
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