The most northerly sub-region of Central Otago is the holiday town of Wanaka. An hour drive north of Queenstown and you find yourself in awe of the Mount Aspiring Mountain range and 3 local vineyards.
Less than a 10 minute drive south from town is the small family vineyard of Aitken’s Folly. Serving Pinot Noir, Rose, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, you are greeted by the family dog. The cellar door has a local artist’s paintings of roosters with a chalk wall of past visitors. Open most days from 12-5, I took home a bottle of Chardonnay and a 2018 Pinot Noir.
Northwest of the town centre is Rippon. A fully Biodynamic vineyard, they have a wide range of wines and offer 4-6 during a free tasting. Do note that you will need to book a tasting via their website as they only allow 4 people per tasting.
The views from Rippon, a private farm, were just spectacular. Even the building for the tastings is superb.
I tried 5 wines with one other couple. We had Osteiner, Sauv, Gewurztramier, Riesling and one of the many Pinot Noirs. I bought a 2017 Pinot and Gewurztramier.
Unfortunately, Maude and its restaurant were not open when I was in town.
As the smallest sub-region I was still impressed with the love & care of land along with the variety of wine from Wanaka.
TIP: Every wine drinker should have a stop in their kitchen for nights when there is wine leftover…