Cuisine Wine

Chard Farm

Setting
The road to Chard Farm is an adventure as it winds around precipitous bluffs high above the Kawarau River gorge. The large terracotta winery and tasting room are adorned with gold mining relics and historic photos. Lola, a sculpture by Lee van der Geest from old chardonnay vines, is near the entrance.

Things To Know
A pioneer of Central Otago wine, Rob Hay chose this warm site, once a market garden and orchard, for his vineyard. Winemaker John Wallace makes the wine from several vineyards in the Lowburn and Pisa area and the home block. There are three single-vineyard pinot noirs – the Tiger, the Viper and MK II – plus the fresh River Run, the Finla Mor and the signature Mata-Au. There are also chardonnays – the unoaked Closeburn and the popular Judge & Jury – rieslings, a sauvignon blanc and a floral gewurztraminer.

Our Picks
The Judge & Jury Chardonnay is a good example of the restrained, minerally style characteristic of Central. Also try the fragrant pinot gris, the gewurztraminer and the pinot noirs.

Plus
The tasting room is child-friendly with space outside and free wifi.

 

Wine from this Winery