Welcome to Taste Wine Guides
You are now beginning your journey with Taste Wine-Guides! An experience designed to immerse you in the rich tapestry of wine, scenery and culture that defines this unique region of central Otago!Before we embark on this journey through the vineyards, let's take a moment to prepare ourselves with a brief, meditative exercise, to fully open our senses to the beauty and flavours ahead.As this is a biking tour, it is essential to remain alert and focused on the trail, while also preparing your mind and senses for the immersive experience.Here's a brief and safe meditative exercise to enhance your awareness and enjoyment.Settle in.Ensure you are comfortably seated.Adjust your feet and hands, so you are balanced and can ride safely.Take a few deep breaths, inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your lungs expand fully.Hold for a moment and then exhale gently through your mouth.Repeat this three times to calm your mind and body.While keeping your eyes on the trail, start to bring your attention to the environment around you.Notice the colors of the landscape, the texture of the trail, and the play of light and shadow as you ride.As you ride, think about the deep spiritual connection the Maori people have with this land.Reflect on the concept of tengata whenua, seeing yourself as part of this beautiful environment, not separate from it.Set an intention for your tour.It could be to learn more about the wines, appreciate the beauty of the land, or connect with the cultural stories you'll hear today.Let this intention guide your experience, and let taste wine-guides do the rest!Now, sit back, relax and give way to the journey ahead.Welcome, to Taste-Wine-Guides!
The Story of Gibbston Valley Wines
In 1983, Brady established the Home Block Vineyard, planting the first commercial vines in Gibbston.Despite skepticism, his determination bore fruit when, in 1987, Gibbston Valley released Central Otago's first commercial vintage, signaling the birth of a new wine region.The winery's early success was not without challenges.The extreme climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, demanded innovative viticultural practices.Brady and his team employed meticulous site selection and canopy management to harness the region's unique terroir , resulting in wines with vibrant fruit flavors and distinct minerality.Gibbston Valley's commitment to quality and innovation extended beyond the vineyard.In 1990, they opened their winery to the public, offering tastings and tours, including access to New Zealand's largest wine cave, carved into schist rock.This not only enhanced the aging process of their wines but also provided visitors with a unique glimpse into the winemaking journey.Over the years, Gibbston Valley expanded its offerings, establishing a bistro-style restaurant, a bike center, and, in 2019, the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa.Set on 1,000 acres of privately-owned land, the lodge features 24 villas overlooking the historic Le Maitre vineyard block, providing guests with an immersive experience into the region's wine culture.The winery's dedication to sustainability is evident in its organic certification.The Home Block Vineyard, the original site planted by Brady, was certified organic by BioGro New Zealand, with the 2014 vintage being their first to receive this certification.Gibbston Valley Winery's influence extends beyond its own operations.As a pioneer in the region, it played a pivotal role in establishing Central Otago as a premier wine-producing area, particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir.The winery's success inspired other vintners to explore the potential of the region, leading to a flourishing wine industry that has garnered international acclaim.Today, Gibbston Valley Winery continues to honor its heritage while embracing innovation.Its wines are celebrated for their expression of Central Otago's unique terroir , and its commitment to sustainability and hospitality ensures that visitors can experience the rich history and vibrant future of New Zealand wine.Gibbston Valley’s Pinot Noir is known for its elegance and balance, often showcasing vibrant red fruit notes like cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry on the nose.Beneath the fruit, you’ll often detect savory and earthy undertones, hints of dried thyme, clove, and a subtle minerality derived from the schist soils.This delicate interplay of fruit and structure creates a wine that is approachable in its youth yet capable of aging gracefully, developing deeper complexities over time.Each vintage of Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir reflects not only the vineyard’s terroir but also the careful, hands-on techniques of the winemaking team, who craft each bottle to tell the story of the land.While Pinot Noir is the star, Gibbston Valley Winery’s white wines deserve equal recognition for their precision and vibrancy.The Riesling is a standout, showcasing the winery’s mastery of cool-climate winemaking.With crisp, zesty acidity and refreshing minerality, Gibbston Valley’s Riesling often delivers bright citrus flavors like lime and lemon, alongside floral notes and subtle hints of green apple.It finishes clean and bright, often with a touch of residual sugar for balance, making it incredibly versatile and food-friendly.Their Pinot Gri is another Central Otago gem, offering a richer and more textured style.With aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and a whisper of spice, the Pinot Gri is full-bodied yet refreshing, striking a perfect harmony between lush fruit and bright acidity.Lastly, Gibbston Valley’s Chardonnay rounds out their portfolio.Grown in select vineyard blocks, the Chardonnay expresses the elegance of the region’s terroir with flavors of stone fruit, grilled citrus, and a delicate hint of oak.It’s a beautifully balanced wine, with a creamy texture and a lively finish that speaks to the careful aging process in French oak barrels.These wines, from red to white, reflect the diversity of the Gibbston Valley landscape and the skill of the team who coax each varietal into its fullest expression.Each glass invites you to experience the purity of the fruit and the unmistakable sense of place that defines Gibbston Valley wines.Now, its time to Taste. Head on inside to the tasting room where warm smiles and great wines await, and we will see you when you get back. Cheers.
Glenlee Vineyard
As you approach Gibbston Valley Winery, you may be wondering what the grapevines are to your left.The Glenlee Vineyard, established in 2003 by Californian winemaker Gary Andrus, transformed a former sheep station into a site of precision viticulture.Close-planted with 6,000 vines per hectare, Glenlee produces Pinot Noir that embodies fruit clarity, intense concentration, and delicate spice.Exclusively crafted into the single-vineyard Glenlee Pinot Noir, this wine showcases the unique terroir and Andrus’s vision for Central Otago’s winemaking excellence.
Gibbston Valley Winery
Middle Age Wine
Gold Rush Innovation and Wine
The Kawarau and Māori
As you travel through the majestic landscapes of Central Otago, it is impossible to ignore the lifeblood of this region: the Kawarau River.For centuries, this winding waterway has been more than just a scenic feature.It has been a source of sustenance, a spiritual entity, and a key to understanding the deep connection between the Māori people and this land.The Kawarau River, known in te reo Māori as Te - Awa Kawarau, plays a significant role in Māori mythology and daily life.In Māori tradition, water is considered a taonga, or treasure, and rivers like the Kawarau are seen as sacred entities.They are considered the veins of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, carrying life and energy through the land.The Kawarau River was part of the great network of ara tafito, or traditional pathways, used by the Māori for travel, trade, and exploration.The Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, and later the Ngāi Tahu tribes, used the river as a vital route connecting the interior of Central Otago with the coastal regions.The riverbanks served as places for seasonal camps, where mahina kai, or food resources such as eels, native birds, and fern root, were gathered and preserved.The Kawarau was also deeply connected to the Māori’s use of pounamu, or greenstone, a prized resource that was transported from the West Coast to the interior via trade routes that intersected the river.Pounamu, often referred to as the jade of New Zealand, was used to craft tools, weapons, and ornaments and held immense spiritual and cultural significance.When European settlers arrived in the 19th century, the Kawarau River’s role shifted dramatically.The river became a focal point of the Otago Gold Rush, with its banks and waters teeming with miners searching for gold.For the Māori, this influx of settlers and the disruption of the land marked a significant cultural and environmental change.The once pristine waters of the Kawarau, teeming with life, were now altered by mining activity.Despite this, the Māori continued to adapt and maintain their connection to the river.The Māori view of the Kawarau River goes beyond physical utility.It is deeply spiritual.The river is imbued with mauri, or life force, and is seen as an ancestral connection to their whakapapa, or genealogy.This means the river is not just a natural feature but a part of their identity, a living entity deserving of respect and care.This respect translates into modern practices.Many iwi have been involved in environmental restoration projects along the Kawedo River to ensure that it remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations.These efforts reflect the Māori principle of kaitiakitanga, or guardianship and stewardship of the land and water.Interestingly, the Kawarau River also plays a subtle but important role in the region’s modern wine industry.The river’s presence influences the terroir of Gibbston, where some of New Zealand’s most celebrated wines are produced.The schist soils, which give Central Otago wines their distinctive minerality, were deposited over millennia by the river’s flow.Its cool breezes temper the summer heat, creating the perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir, the grape for which the region is most famous.In many ways, the wines of the Gibbston are a modern extension of the Māori’s respect for the land.Just as they saw the Kawarau as a life-giving force, winemakers today recognize the river’s influence on the unique flavors and characteristics of their wines.Today, the Kawarau River remains a bridge between the past and present.For Māori, it continues to hold spiritual significance and serves as a reminder of their deep connection to the land.For visitors and locals alike, it is a place of beauty, adventure, and reflection.If you ever stand by the riverbanks and listen to the rush of its waters, you might feel a sense of timelessness, a connection to those who have walked this land for centuries.Imagine the Māori paddling their waka (canoes) along its length, traders carrying pounamu and provisions, and families gathering food from its abundant resources.Imagine, too, the river’s role in shaping the vineyards and the wines you enjoy today.As you continue on your ride, consider how the Kawarau River connects the old and the new, the natural and the cultivated.The river’s story is not just one of geography but of people, of those who have cared for this land, drawn life from its waters, and celebrated its gifts.At your first stop, when you sip a glass of Pinot Noir from Gibbston, let it remind you of the Kawarau River’s enduring legacy.Its waters have shaped this land for millennia, and through the wine, its story flows onward, an unbroken thread connecting the Māori traditions of the past to the vibrant culture of today.
Māori Kaitiakitanga—Guardianship of the land
Central Otago is a region of incredible biodiversity, and as you drive through Gibbston Valley, you’ll see more than just vineyards.This area is home to a variety of native plants and animals, many of which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the vineyards.One of the most prominent features of the landscape is the tussock grass that blankets the hillsides.These hardy plants are well-adapted to the region’s harsh conditions and are vital for preventing soil erosion, which is essential for the sustainability of the vineyards.You might also spot some of the local wildlife, such as the native birds that make their homes among the vines.Species like the bellbird, tui, and fantail are commonly seen flitting between the rows of grapes, their presence a sign of a healthy ecosystem.These birds not only add to the natural beauty of the area but also help control pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions in the vineyards.Here in Gibbston Valley, there’s a growing movement towards organic and biodynamic farming practices. These methods are about more than just avoiding synthetic chemicals; they’re about fostering a healthy, balanced ecosystem in the vineyard. mOst vineyards in the region have adopted biodynamic farming. This approach treats the vineyard as a living organism, where every element, soil, plants, animals, and even the phases of the moon, are interconnected.In biodynamic farming, natural composts and herbal preparations are used to enhance the vitality of the soil, promoting biodiversity and resilience in the vines.The aim is to create wines that are a true reflection of their environment, with minimal intervention from the winemaker.This low-intervention philosophy extends to the winemaking process itself, where native yeasts are often used for fermentation, and the use of sulfites is kept to a minimum.The result is wines that are not only pure and expressive but also kind to the earth.This commitment to sustainability is a natural extension of the Māori principle of Kaitiakitanga, or, the guardianship of the land.It’s a philosophy that recognizes the responsibility of the current generation to care for the land so that it can continue to provide for future generations.As you sip on these wines, know that you’re not just enjoying a delicious beverage; you’re supporting practices that respect and sustain the natural world.
Rockburn
The story of Rockburn Wines began in 1991 when Dr. Richard Bunton, a cardiothoracic surgeon with a passion for viticulture, established a small 3-hectare vineyard at Lake Hayes near Arrowtown.Recognizing the potential of Central Otago's unique terroir , he expanded the venture in 1992 to include a 9-hectare vineyard in Gibbston.By 1999, the enterprise had grown further with the acquisition of a 33-hectare vineyard at Parkburn on the shores of Lake Dunstan.In 2002, to better reflect the rugged, rock-strewn, burn-scarred landscape of Central Otago, the brand was rebranded as Rockburn Wines.Visitors to Rockburn's Cellar Door are greeted by a charming setting that seamlessly blends history with modernity.Situated on the historic site where the gold miners’ Gibbston Hotel proudly stood in 1867, the cellar door offers boutique tastings of Rockburn's award-winning wines.The venue's rustic charm, combined with its rich history, provides an inviting atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to explore the diverse range of wines on offer.Rockburn’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bottle, with each wine reflecting the region’s unique terroir and winemaking philosophy.The Chosen seven seven seven, Pinot Noir 2022: Made exclusively from the seven seven seven clone of Pinot Noir, this wine highlights precision and purity, offering fine tannins, vibrant strawberry and rose flavors, and a structured, elegant finish.It’s a testament to the detailed vineyard practices at Parkburn, designed to extract the best from each vine.The Art Pinot Noir 2022: Crafted from a high-altitude vineyard site, this wine is a masterpiece of texture and complexity.Whole-bunch fermentation adds spice, while extended barrel aging enhances depth.Notes of dark cherries, star anise, and cinnamon are framed by firm tannins and vibrant minerality, making it a wine built for aging.Pinot Noir 2022: Rockburn’s flagship estate Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from Parkburn and Gibbston.Cool maceration and a mix of French oak barrels result in a wine with rich black cherry and plum flavors, subtle mocha, and a smooth, long finish.Pinot Gri: With its aromatic intensity and smooth, full-bodied palate, the Pinot Gri offers lush notes of ripe pear and white peach.It’s a perfect companion to Central Otago’s summer evenings.Riesling: This wine balances crisp acidity with a subtle sweetness, featuring citrus flavors like lime and grapefruit, complemented by floral undertones.Fumé Blanc : A unique take on Sauvignon Blanc , this wine is lightly oaked, creating layers of complexity with notes of tropical fruit and a subtle smokiness.At the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards, Rockburn earned two Gold Medals for their Twelve Barrels Gibbston Pinot Noir 2022 and The Chosen Hillside Parkburn Pinot Noir 2022.The previous year, their The Chosen Hillside Pinot Noir 2021 received a Platinum Award with 97 points, cementing Rockburn’s reputation for crafting some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir.Rockburn’s wines are a reflection of the care and precision that go into every step of the winemaking process.Techniques like whole-bunch fermentation add spice and texture, while French oak aging provides subtle integration without overpowering the fruit.Sustainability is at the heart of Rockburn’s practices, ensuring the land’s vitality for future generations.The winery also produces vegan-friendly wines, catering to diverse palates and preferences.Rockburn Cellar Door is more than just a tasting room, it’s a gateway to Central Otago’s wine culture.Open seven days a week from 11 to 5, it’s a must-visit destination for those exploring the Gibbston River Trail.Its proximity to the trail makes it an ideal stop for bikers, walkers, and travelers seeking a taste of the region’s finest offerings.Rockburn Cellar Door is a place where history, innovation, and passion converge.From its award-winning wines to its commitment to sustainable practices, every aspect of Rockburn tells a story of excellence.Whether you’re savoring their celebrated Pinot Noir or exploring their diverse white wine portfolio, Rockburn invites you to immerse yourself in the essence of Central Otago.
At Fork - Turn Right
At The Fork - Stay Right
Terroir
At Fork - Stay Right to Rockburn
Caution Crossing Road to Rockburn
Cross the road at the sign to visit Rockburn
Rockburn Tasting Tip
Here’s a quick wine tasting tip:1.Start with your eyes, tilt the glass slightly and look at the wine's color and clarity.A pale, bright hue , often suggests a crisp, young wine, while a deeper color can indicate richness or age.2.Next, swirl the wine gently to release its aromas.Take a deep sniff and try to identify specific scents, think fruit, spices, or even earthy notes.3.Now, take a sip and let it coat your palate.Pay attention to the balance of flavors: sweetness, acidity, tannins, and body.4.Finally, notice the finish, how long the flavors linger after you swallow.The longer it stays, the more complex the wine!
Rockburn Cellar Door
Leaving Rockburn
The Story of Kinross
Kinross, located on the historic Kinross Station, established in the late 1860s by Thomas Kinross, has evolved into a central hub for wine enthusiasts in Gibbston Valley.This transformation began in 2014 when Kinross envisioned creating a collaborative space to showcase the diversity of Central Otago wines.They partnered with boutique wineries, Valli, Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Wild Irishman, and their own label, Kinross, to serve as the exclusive cellar door for these labels.This unique collaboration allows visitors to experience a curated selection of wines from multiple producers in one location, each reflecting the distinct terroir of the region.In 2024, after nearly nine years of partnership, Kinross ended its collaboration with Coal Pit, marking a new chapter in its journey.Despite this change, Kinross continues to offer an unparalleled wine-tasting experience, representing esteemed labels such as Valli, Hawkshead, Wild Irishman, and their own Kinross wines.This model not only provides a platform for boutique wineries to reach a broader audience but also enriches visitors' experiences by offering a diverse array of wines and stories in one setting.The success of this collaborative approach was recognized in 2024 when Kinross won the inaugural Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism Award.Judges praised Kinross for its tailored experiences and commitment to showcasing Central Otago's wine heritage, highlighting the strength and innovation of its partnerships.Through these collaborations , Kinross has become a cornerstone of Gibbston Valley's wine tourism, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore the region's viticultural diversity, and history, in a single, welcoming location.
Using Helicopters for Frost
Turn Right - Into Kinross
Welcome to Kinross
Kinross' signature Pinot Noir is celebrated for its depth and complexity, featuring lush notes of dark cherry and a hint of thyme. Their aromatic Pinot Gri offers a crisp blend of ripe pear and subtle spice, while the Chardonnay showcases delicate citrus blossom, paired with a soft touch of oak. Not to be missed, their Riesling delivers vibrant acidity with fresh lime zest, embodying the pristine alpine terroir. Get ready to taste these exquisite wines, each crafted to reflect the unique landscapes and meticulous viticulture of Central Otago. Enjoy and we will see you when you get back. Cheers!
Leaving Kinross
The Story of The Church
The next stop on our itinerary is The Church Cellar Door. The Church Cellar Door and Cafe is a unique fusion of history and viticulture.Originally constructed in 1894, this Presbyterian church once stood in the coastal town of Wangaloa , south of Dunedin.In a remarkable feat, the entire structure was relocated over 300 kilometers to Gibbston in 2000, a journey that spanned 24 hours, to serve as the cellar door for Waitiri Creek Wines.Over the years, the church has been home to various ventures, including Cargo Cellar Door from 2017 to 2023.In 2023, it began a new chapter under the stewardship of 'Q' Belk and Sherry Thornburg, owners of the neighboring Stronsay Farm.The Church Cellar Door offers a distinctive wine experience, featuring selections from boutique producers Stronsay Wines, and Mount Edward Winery. Produced from the owners' home block vineyard, Stronsay Wines showcase the unique terroir of the Gibbston region. Their 2021 Stronsay Chardonnay, for instance, is noted for its lush fruit and balanced creamyness, reflecting the favorable conditions of the 2022 vintage in Central Otago. For the Pinot Noir, expect vibrant red fruit notes such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by subtle earthiness and a touch of spice. The delicate tannins reflect the elegant structure typical of Gibbston’s terroir .Founded in 1997 by Central Otago wine pioneer Alan Brady, Mount Edward Winery is known for its commitment to organic and sustainable practices.Their wines, including Pinot Noir and Riesling, are crafted to reflect the soils and climates of Central Otago, offering a pure and balanced expression of the region.The Riesling is Crisp and aromatic, this wine often showcases citrus notes like lime and lemon, with a backbone of minerality and a hint of floral sweetness.Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it incredibly food-friendly.The Shenin Blanc (if available) is Unique to the region. Mount Edward’s Shenin Blanc often highlights green apple and pear flavors with a bright, zesty acidity.Turn left into their cellar door, and we will see you when you get back. Cheers
The Church Cellar Door
Gibbston dark Sky
The Story of Mt. Rosa Wines
As you approach Mount Rosa Wines, you're entering a place where the rugged beauty of Gibbston Valley meets a rich tapestry of history and innovation.Established in the late 1990s by Guy and Ann Boanas, Mount Rosa transitioned from a traditional sheep station to one of the region's most celebrated vineyards.The Boanas family recognized that the challenging terrain and stony, schist soils, which made sheep farming difficult, were ideal for viticulture.In 1998, they began planting vines, starting with Sauvignon Blanc , followed by Pinot Noir and Pinot Gri.Their adventurous spirit led them to introduce less common varietals like Pinot Blanc and Gamay Noir, adding a distinctive character to their offerings.In 2007, Mount Rosa opened its first cellar door in a renovated woolshed, providing a rustic and welcoming space for visitors to experience their wines.By 2021, they unveiled a new, purpose-built cellar door nestled among the vines, reflecting their commitment to hospitality and the evolving story of their land.Today, Mount Rosa's single-estate vineyard spans 35 hectares, producing award-winning wines that embody the unique terroir of Gibbston Valley.Their philosophy emphasizes sustainability and minimal intervention, ensuring that each bottle is a true expression of the land's character.When tasting at Mount Rosa, look for a bright, vibrant Pinot Noir with red fruit notes like cherry and raspberry, layered with earthy undertones and a silky finish. Their Pinot Blanc offers refreshing acidity and subtle hints of green apple and pear, while the Pinot Gri shines with stone fruit flavors and a touch of spice. Now get in their and Taste. Welcome to Mount Rosa wines!
Mt. Rosa Family Love
Mt. Rosa Winery
Thank you for visiting Mt. Rosa Wines - Turn Left
The Story of Brennan Wines
Farewell and Thank You
As your journey through the beautiful Gibson Valley comes to a close. We at Taste Wine Guides want to thank you for letting us be a part of your day. Today wasn't just about tasting incredible wines. It was about immersing yourself in the stories, history, and landscapes that make this region so unique. From the vibrant Pinot Noir that reflects the soul of this land, to the warm smiles of the people who craft it.You've experienced a true slice of Central Otago magic. As you bike away from the sunlit vineyards and rugged mountains. Take a moment to reflect on the connections you've made today. Not just with the wine, but with the land itself. Every glass you raised was a celebration of the hard work, passion and artistry that defined this region. This is just the beginning.Central Otago has many more wine regions and stories waiting to be discovered, each offering its own unique flavor and character. Keep an eye out for more tours coming to the Taste Wine Guides family, and let your curiosity guide you to new adventures in the world of wine. Until we meet again, may your travels be filled with joy, discovery, and of course, a great bottle of wine to share.Cheers and see you on your next journey with Taste Wine Guides.
