Huddled in the bottom of New Zealand's South Island, Central Otago is the world's southernmost wine region. With its unique terroir, Central Otago is home to some of the country's most exciting and distinctive wines. Central Otago's wine industry began in the late 19th century, when the first vines were planted in the region. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the region began to gain recognition for its wines. Since then, the region has become one of New Zealand's most important wine regions, producing some of the country's most sought-after Pinot Noirs.
Central Otago is best known for its Pinot Noir, which is the region's flagship variety. Other red varieties grown in the region include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. White varieties grown in the region include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The wines of Central Otago are known for their intense fruit flavors and complex structure.
Central Otago is home to some of New Zealand's most renowned wineries, including Amisfield, Akitu, and Rippon.
The distance between Central Otago and Antarctica is only about 3,000 km.