Waitaki Valley, North Otago, New Zealand

The stunningly beautiful and remote Waitaki Valley is one of New Zealand’s newest wine regions, with small, independently run vineyards that produce wines of exceptional quality.  The remote upper reaches of the valley provide a vital refuge for the Black Stilt/Kakī – the world’s rarest wading bird once reduced to 23 individuals.

Located between Canterbury and Central Otago, the Waitaki Valley is characterized by its unique  limestone soils, combined with alluvial greywacke and schist. Vineyards are planted on north-facing slopes overlooking the braided Waitaki River.

Summers are temperate due to the coastal influence which extends 50km up the valley from Oamaru, cooling the vineyards in the late afternoons with a sea breeze. Long warm autumns lead to one of the longest ripening periods in NZ, with harvest occurring at the end of April or early May.

The cool climate, long ripening period, and complex geology of the Waitaki produces wines that are distinctly different from its neighbouring regions. In particular, Waitaki wines are notable for their distinctive minerality, crisp acidity, and complexity of fruit flavours.

The north facing slopes of the valley provide a home for the Black Stilt vineyard which has been established 100m above the river.