The vineyards of Central Otago are clustered mainly in four distinct sub-regions based on the towns of Alexandra, Cromwell, Wanaka and Queenstown, however it is possible to drive around the region in a day. Each subregion has its own character but the unifying factors are altitude and climate. At between 200 and 350 metres above sea level, these are the highest altitude vineyards in New Zealand and the most distant from the sea. The relatively low humidity results in low incidence of fungal disease and minimal spraying. This helps seal in flavours and acid in white wines and encourages colour development and stability in Pinot Noir.
European winemakers argue that great wine is made in a challenging environment.
At latitude 45 South, Central Otago is perched on the southern edge of the grape growing world and vineyards live with the risk of frosts in spring and autumn. It is a hazard they willingly endure for the promise of greatness. The famous Central Otago Dunstan gold rush of 1862 lured Richard Chard from Dorset, England out to New Zealand. Chard started with a one-acre strip, enough to accommodate a vegetable plot and an orchard. Richard milked a couple of cows, kept a few hens and became more interested in supplying the miners with food rather than the allurement of gold.