The southernmost wine region in New Zealand (and the world, for that matter) is Central Otago, near the city of Bannockburn. Located at 45 degrees south latitude (next stop, Antarctica), this is definitely a cool-climate and one that has proven ideal for Pinot Noir. Indeed, Pinot Noir accounts for some 70% of plantings with a smattering of whites rounding out the balance, some of which are used to make sparkling wines.

Small-scale commercial plantings began in the 1980s and expanded rapidly in the mid-90s. While there were just 11 wineries in the area in 1996, that number had exploded to 75 by 2004 alone. Otago's vineyards are at a mere 1,000 feet of elevation but they are surrounded by mountains as high as 12,000 feet, which shelter the area from maritime influence and make this New Zealand's only wine producing region with a continental climate. This makes for an exceptionally high diurnal range during the growing season.

The region is dominated by small, quality-focused producers and their Pinot Noirs are exotically aromatic and complex, though vintage variation is a major issue. As can be expected, the wines are not inexpensive, but the region should be on the radar of any dedicated Pinot-phile. (Wine/Appellations)