"In certain parts of this district where a good aspect and well sheltered spots are available, the cultivation of the vine may be undertaken, but judgement must be exercised in the selection of the varieties to be planted, and cultivation and pruning methods must be adopted that meet the requirements of the colder vine-growing zones." So wrote Romeo Bragato in his Report on the Prospects of Viticulture in New Zealand, September 1895. This may help to explain why it took until the mid 1980s before a few latter day pioneers decided it was worth the risk and established vineyards in the area.

Central Otago is set apart from the rest of New Zealand's vine growing districts in that it has a continental climate. All others have a maritime climate. Technically, "continentality" describes the difference in mean temperature between the warmest and coldest month. Greater diurnal and seasonal temperature variations occur and hence greater risk of frost at critical times early and late in the season. Careful site selection is critical, but with silt loams of heavy schist and mica deposits, the short but warm growing season and cool nights, wines of great character and quality are being produced in Central Otago. Some said it wasnt possible. But a Pinot Noir from the 2000 vintage was declared champion Burgundy or Pinot Noir at the 2001 London International Wine Challenge - arguably the world's most prestigious wine competition.

Pinot Noir is easily the most planted variety followed by Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. The region is expanding extremely fast as investors are lured by the potential to produce great Pinot Noir wines, encouraged by a run of very good to excellent vintages. Top producers: Akarua, Mt Difficulty, Felton Road, Mount Edward, Peregine, Gibbston Valley, Kawarau Estate, Olssens, Quartz Reef, Valli.