Waitaki Valley Wine

The Waitaki Valley is in North Otago, extending inland from near Oamaru to Omarama. It is a young wine region and a producer of Pinot Noir due to its cool-climate viticulture; however, the valley has a maritime climate compared to nearby Central Otago.

In terms of production, the North Otago region is small within the New Zealand wine industry. In 2009 there was approximately 270 acres (110ha) planted on the north-facing hillsides from Duntroon to Lake Waitaki, with another site at Omarama. Waitaki is also well known for its stone-fruit orchards.

The region’s soil is predominantly composed of limestone, with large tracts of alluvial soils and loess also present. The valley is home to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and a small amount of Gewurztraminer. Pinot Noir-based wines are most common, and have been described as ethereal and sensual. All the wines are typically light in structure and described as elegant with herbal and floral characters. Daily sea breezes in summer act as air-conditioning, helping to reduce the often-intense heat. In spring and autumn, breezes blowing down the valley reduce frost risk. The fruit ripens much later than other parts of New Zealand, so the region experiences a later-than-normal harvest.