Boutique winery Mt Difficulty was an early pioneer in the region. With their founding vineyards established in 1992, Mt Difficulty owns some of the oldest vines and is one of the most respected producers in Central Otago. Situated on the famous Felton Road in Bannockburn, this is a unique and rare area of extremes. Mt Difficulty has harnessed this once brutal terrain to produce premium wines at the forefront of Otago's finest wine production.

Central Otago, located in New Zealand’s South Island, is the world’s most southerly wine region and one of its most striking. Nestled among dramatic mountains and glacial valleys, it is defined by an extreme continental climate: hot, dry summers, cold winters, and large diurnal temperature shifts. These conditions allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining vibrant acidity, giving the wines purity and balance.

The region’s soils are predominantly schist and greywacke-derived alluvial gravels, often low in fertility, which encourage deep root systems and naturally low yields. Combined with the arid climate, this results in concentrated fruit with distinctive regional character.

Pinot Noir dominates plantings, accounting for around three-quarters of production, and has earned Central Otago global acclaim. These wines are typically deeply coloured, with flavours of dark cherry, plum, wild herbs, and fine mineral undertones, supported by silky tannins and lively freshness. Alongside Pinot Noir, aromatic whites such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer thrive, offering crisp, expressive wines with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and florals. Chardonnay also performs well, producing elegant, mineral-driven styles.

Together, Central Otago’s wines reflect the region’s rugged landscape and climate: intensely flavoured yet refined, with a distinctive sense of place that has captured international attention.

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most celebrated and challenging grape varieties, renowned for producing elegant, complex wines. Believed to have originated in Burgundy, France, over 1,000 years ago, it thrives in cooler climates where its thin skin and early ripening nature are best suited. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow: it is susceptible to rot, mildew, and pests, and requires precise canopy management to balance ripening with acidity retention.

Pinot Noir is planted across the globe, with notable expressions found in Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma Coast, New Zealand’s Central Otago, and Germany’s Baden and Pfalz regions. In Champagne, it is a key component of sparkling wines, typically blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The wine's diverse geographical range means that you might also find it labelled as Red Burgundy, Pinot Nero, Blauburgunder, or Spätburgunder.

The grape produces wines of delicate colour but remarkable aromatic depth. Typical flavour profiles include red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often layered with floral notes, earthy undertones, and hints of spice or forest floor as the wines mature. Styles range from light and silky to more structured and age-worthy, depending on climate and winemaking choices. Pinot Noir’s ability to express terroir with precision makes it a favourite among wine lovers, despite — or perhaps because of — its demanding nature in the vineyard.