Wineries and Vineyards in Alexandra and Clyde
Try vivid, aromatic and finely structured wines in the Central Otago sub-region of Alexandra, Clyde and Earnscleaugh. Alexandra marks the southernmost sub-region of the Central Otago wine region with a dry and sunny micro-climate for most of the year. The first vine plantings in the area occurred in 1864, and the winemakers of the region have never looked back. Try some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the cellar doors and tasting rooms of Alexandra. Check out this list of wineries in Alexandra to add to your winery-hopping itinerary.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the nearby wineries listed in 10 Wonderful Wineries in Cromwell & Bannockburn, 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown and 5 Best Wineries in Wanaka.
1. Judge Rock Pinot Wines
Winner of the 5 Stars and Gold Medals Decanter, Air New Zealand Gold Medals, 96 Points in Gourmet Wine Traveller and 90 Points e-Robert Parker… Enough said, right? See what all the fuss is about by popping into the Judge Rock Pinot Wines’ tasting room, open daily except for public holidays. They also offer cottage accommodation.
Location: 36 Hillview Road
© Pixabay2. Hinton Estate Vineyard
If you’re riding the Otago Central Rail Trail then don’t miss a wine tasting at the Hinton Estate Vineyard. Call in for a relaxed wine tasting and fresh seasonal fruit. The tasting room is open daily in summer and by appointment in winter. Find out more about the bike trails in the area in 12 Super Scenic Cycle Trails in Otago.
Location: 19 Chicago Street
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Hawkdun Rise Vineyard
The Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer are a must-try at the Hawkdun Rise Vineyard. The winery offers tastings at their cellar door daily between November to April and other times by appointment. They also offer vineyard accommodation.
Location: 241 Letts Gully Road
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Grey Ridge
This boutique vineyard produces handcrafted wines that are sure to tantalise your tastebuds. Made from hand-tended vines and hand-picked grapes, Grey Ridge wines are award-winning and include varietals like Pinot Noir and Rose. They offer vineyard accommodation and are open daily for tastings, platters and snacks.
Location: Letts Gully Road
© Grey Ridge5. Two Paddocks
Try wines from this boutique winery made with passion at Two Paddocks. The winemaker himself is an attraction as a proprietor, itinerant actor and a blogger, offering tastings of his Pinot Noir “for both gentry and ratbags” and a good chuckle. Tastings are available by appointment.
Location: Corner of Strode Road and Fraser Road
© Pixabay6. Drumsara Wines
While Drumsara Wines’ principle tastings occur at The Nose Restaurant at the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, you can book an appointment for a wine tasting where the good stuff is made at their winery in Alexandra. A must-try is their Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Rose.
Location: Hillview Road
© jenny downing on Flickr7. Perseverance Estate
It doesn’t get more boutique in Alexandra than the Perseverance Estate with wine produced from their single vineyard. Try Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Rose wines handcrafted by their French winemaker. Wine tastings are available by appointment.
Location: Airport Road
© Perseverance Estate8. Grasshopper Rock
Pinot Noir fans can’t miss the offerings at Grasshopper Rock, producing consistently high-quality Pinot Noir. Tastings can be arranged by appointment.
Location: Earnscleaugh Road
© MaxPixel9. Three Miners Vineyard
Update: Three Miners Vineyard’s cellar door has now moved to the Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa in Queenstown. The vineyard is still at the same address.
Celebrating the gold mining past of the Alexandra area, Three Miners Vineyard produces delicious wines named with the heritage of their vineyard in mind. Try Warden’s Court Pinot Noir, Miner’s Right Pinot Gris, Herringbone Riesling and Chinaman Stone Gewurztraminer. The wines come from a 19ha family-owned estate in the Earnscleugh Valley.
Location: 89 McPherson Road
© Three Miners Vineyard[CLOSED] Shaky Bridge Wines & Bistro
After crossing Alexandra’s historic Shaky Bridge, and perhaps a short climb for excellent views from the Alexandra Clock, sit down for a tasting and lunch at the Shaky Bridge Wines & Bistro. Share delectable platters with friends and sample award-winning wines. The cellar door is open daily, while the bistro is open Wednesday to Sunday.
Location: 65 Graveyard Gully Road
© NZPocketGuide.com
