The region has just been named by Lonely Planet as one of the 10 most underrated wine regions in the world, coming in second behind Mendoza in Argentina.
This comes as the travel publisher releases it’s latest book Lonely Planet Wine Trails.
Dubbed the "pin-up of New Zealand tourism", Central Otago was renowned for its "mix of history, alpine scenery and exceptional wineries", Lonely Planet said.
Central Otago made up the world’s southernmost wine region through the deep valleys and basins of its six subregions — Gibbston, Bannockburn, Cromwell Basin, Wanaka, Bendigo and Alexandra — and was lauded as one of the best places outside Burgundy for cultivating the notoriously fickle Pinot Noir grape.
"The few vines planted back in 1864 were an early forerunner of an industry that has burgeoned since the mid-1990s. The scene remains largely in the hands of friendly boutique enterprises, with winemakers experimenting with a terroir not yet fully understood," the publisher said.
Wineries Amisfield, Wild Earth Wines, Mt Difficulty, Akarua and Carrick were profiled in the book, along with tips on where to stay, dine and explore in the region.
Central Otago is not the only New Zealand wine region to feature; Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay are also included.
The list
Lonely Planet’s 10 most underrated wine regions.—
1. Mendoza, Argentina
2. Central Otago, New Zealand
3. Wellington, Swartland and Tulbagh, South Africa
4. Adelaide Hills, South Australia
5. Kakheti, Georgia
6. Okanagan Valley, Canada
7. South Downs, England
8. Dragasani, Romania
9. Emporda, Spain
10. Walla Walla, WA, USA
