Wineries and Vineyards in Cromwell
What was once famous for its alluvial goldfields, Cromwell and Bannockburn are nowadays more famous for producing beautiful wines in beautiful places. Cromwell and Bannockburn have some of the warmest and driest climates in the Central Otago region creating highly distinctive and complex wines. While Cromwell and Bannockburn are classed as two separate sub-regions for growing wine, they are only a 10-minute drive apart, making a winery-hopping trip an absolute must! See which wineries to visit with this list of wineries in Cromwell and Bannockburn.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Damn Good Things to Do in Cromwell and The Complete Guide to Alexandra & Clyde.
1. Mt Difficulty
For some of the most dramatic views across the Bannockburn wine-making sub-region, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Mt Difficulty. The winery produces two popular wine brands, Mt Difficulty and Roaring Meg. Try the Reisling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc for yourself at their cellar door and restaurant open daily except public holidays.
Location: 73 Felton Road, Bannockburn
© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr2. Terra Sancta
Producing wines from some of the oldest vines in Bannockburn, Terra Sancta is a must-visit for anyone who considers themselves a bit of a wine connoisseur. All wines are handcrafted, many of which are award-winning. Try them for yourself in a wine tasting, open by appointment in winter and open daily in summer except for public holidays.
Location: Felton Road, Bannockburn
© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr3. Domain Road Vineyard
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and personal tastings at the Domain Road Vineyard. There’s a wine for everyone here, making Domain Road well worth adding to your winery-hopping itinerary. The cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday in November to April and open daily during the Christmas holidays. Winter hours are by appointment.
Location: 46 Domain Road
© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr4. Desert Heart Estate
The Pinot Noir is a must-try at this boutique winery in Bannockburn. Desert Heart Estate offers relaxed tastings and a friendly atmosphere at their cellar door, open Tuesday to Sunday throughout summer. Other times they are open for tastings by appointment.
Location: Felton Road, Bannockburn
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Felton Road
Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay are the must-try wines at Felton Road. While they are only open Monday to Friday by appointment, it’s still worth organising a tasting at this biodynamic winery.
Location: Felton Road, Bannockburn
© Jocelyn Kinghorn on Flickr6. Wooing Tree Vineyard
One of the easiest wineries to access from Cromwell, Wooing Tree Vineyard is just a short walk from town opposite the giant fruit sculpture. Wooing Tree is an excellent place to unwind with friends and take the kids thanks to their sandpit and slide. Do a wine tasting and try one of their light lunches. They are open daily in summer and only for tastings and sales during winter.
Location: Shortcut Road, Cromwell
© Pixabay 7. Aurum Wines
Pick up local artisan foods along with your wine tasting at Aurum Wines. The cellar door does tastings and sales of organic wines, olive oil and more among a picturesque vineyard setting. The cellar door is open daily.
Location: 140 Luggate Cromwell Road, Cromwell
© Olivier Colas on Wikipedia8. Space at the Base (Scott Base Vineyard)
Another fantastic place to relax with a glass in hand is the Space at the Base, just outside of Cromwell. Sit down in a cosy and relaxed tasting room with magnificent views of Lake Dunstan, the Pisa Range and more. Try Scott Base wine and bring the kids who will be entertained at the children’s playground. They are open Wednesday to Saturday.
Location: 27 McNab Road, Cromwell
© Pixabay9. Wild Earth Wines
Located at the Goldfields Mining Centre, Wild Earth Wines serves premium wines and indulgent food. After enjoying a jet boat ride, panning for gold and wandering around the mining centre, sit down for a food and wine pairing experience with food cooked in special barbecue wine barrel cookers.
Location: 803 Kawarau Gorge Road, Cromwell
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Carrick
Finally, another stellar vineyard and winery in Bannockburn is Carrick. Try certified organic wines at their restaurant and cellar door, including two Pinot Noir, or join them for one of their wine tours. If you can’t get enough of the Central Otago wineries, find more with our list of 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown.
Location: 247 Cairnmuir Road, Bannockburn
© Olivier Colas on WikipediaMore About Wineries in New Zealand
