Just where is Gibbston's best Pinot Noir hidden?
- Nick Endean
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago, the Gibbston region is truly blessed with an abundance of world-class wineries. The unique terroir of the valley creates what many experts consider to be amongst the most favourable environments on the planet for cultivating Pinot Noir grapes. The combination of high altitude, intense sunlight, vast diurnal temperature shifts (hot days and cool nights), and ancient, free-draining glacial soils forces the vines to work harder. This struggle concentrates flavours, resulting in grapes of exceptional intensity and complexity, which form the foundation of the region's celebrated wines.
As long-time residents and dedicated tour operators in this beautiful area, we are fortunate to live and breathe the Gibbston wine culture every single day. We get asked a constant stream of fantastic questions from visitors eager to learn more. These inquiries range from the best winery experiences and behind-the-scenes stories to, most frequently, detailed advice on the wines themselves, specifically, which bottles truly capture the essence of the region and are worth seeking out.
To answer that popular demand, we’re diving deep in this new post. We’re going to unwrap the essential wines you must taste when visiting, from stunning aromatic whites to the valley's flagship variety. And most importantly, we’ll share our insider's perspective on just where you can find the best (in our well-informed opinion) Pinot Noir that Gibbston has to offer, guiding you to the bottles that perfectly express the soul of this special place.
From top to bottom or visa-versa depending on who you talk to, Gibbston Valley unofficially begins or ends at the state highway bridge just before the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and stretches far beyond the last winery, through the dramatic Nevis Bluff to the last bridge before you enter the Kawarau Gorge (new trail incoming - read here).
Stretching from the iconic, cliffside vineyards of Chard Farm to the intimate, family-run charm of Brennan Wines, and encompassing every stunning cellar door and acclaimed venue in between, the Gibbston wine region solidifies its status as a world-class destination. The very best way to immerse yourself in its beauty is on one of our effortless E-Bike adventures, which allow you to travel at your own pace along the quiet, scenic paths that connect these liquid treasures. This is an experience crafted for every type of traveler : the discerning sommelier with a nose for uncovering fine rare vintages, the outdoor enthusiast craving breathtaking alpine scenery and fresh mountain air, and everyone in between.
Whether you're a family seeking an active and unique day out, a couple planning a romantic getaway amidst the vines, or a solo rider looking to explore at your own rhythm, Gibbston’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings ensure it has something truly special for everyone. The journey itself is as rewarding as the destination, with each turn revealing another postcard-perfect view of the rugged Kawarau Gorge and rolling hillsides blanketed in vines.
Now, let’s dive in and uncover the incredible treasures, both famed and hidden, that line the route of State Highway 6 as it winds its way through the legendary Valley of the Vines.
Where is the best Pinot Noir?
Wasting no time at all to start things off, we'll try and narrow down the very best Pinot Noir in the Valley. Of course this is totally down to personal preference as one persons yuck, is another's yum and If you really want the answer to this question...You'll have to try them all.
It is important to note that whilst we're looking for the best Pinot Noir in Gibbston, not all of the fruit might have been grown here. Many of the wineries use grapes grown in sub regions like the Cromwell Basin, Bannockburn or Lowburn. Wineries like Kinross for example use a blend of grapes from Cromwell and Gibbston and are known for creating wine with an aromatic lift and structure of Gibbston combined with the fruit weight and depth of Cromwell. Single vineyard wines are generally more expensive by the bottle but don't let that stop your take-out plans as you won't be disappointed.
Number 5.
In at number 5 we've gone for Gibbston Valley's 2023 China Terrace. Bottles priced at $75 can be purchased from the Gibbston Valley shop and picked up when leaving the valley on the shuttle.
Champion Pinot Noir & Gold winner at the 2025 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards. Spicy red fruits with a full structure and savoury charm. Range of whole clusters in ferments (0-100%), 33% overall. 10 months in French oak, 20% new.
Number 4.
Mt Rosa's Pinot Noir is next up and for $55 per bottle, we think it's a steal!
Hand selected from various specific clones in their single estate vineyard in Gibbston, and hand harvested over six days between 24th April and 30th 2020. Violet, red currant, blackberry spice and wild herb aromatics lead to an elegant, richly fruited palate showing vibrancy, depth and poise. Mmmmm
Number 3.
An exquisite 2022 Pinot from Mt Edward gets our 3rd place vote. Again very well priced at $55 and the label artwork (as with the general artwork of the entire brand) is simply amazing.
A long gentle summer without the highs and lows of temperature that our mountainous region can deliver produced clean, even and vibrant flavours in all fruit. An elegant style of wine ensured, red fruits rather than darker flavours, mid weight, seamless with fine tannins soft, supple and delicious.
Number 2.
A close runner up in second spot is Brennan's B2 Pinot. By far the best value at just $38 per bottle, this wine has been a personal fave for many years.
The B2 Pinot Noir expresses a terroir which is so very abstract in comparison to many other winemaking regions of the world, by encapsulating bright and aromatic fruit characters during the fermentation and barrel ageing process.
Winner.
And the winner is...The Macushla, from The Wild Irishman. Amazing Pinot Noir with great pedigree! Sold exclusively in Gibbston at Kinross Winery.
The Macushla proves that Gibbston, one of the coolest subregions of Central Otago, produces wines with outstanding finesse and depth. The first sip of this wine allows you to understand why Macushla is a unique label and why we certainly believe this is a great candidate for any cellar, and a ‘must’ for any serious Pinot Noir collector.
Some blue fruits and cherries with earthy savoury notes. Luscious, mouth filling palate with soft, very well balanced oak and tannins.
A Worthy winner and it may be the most expensive at $115 per bottle but in our opinion, quality does cost! And don't worry, if you want to get in on trying it Kinross offer Macushla as part of their Pinot Noir Tasting at their beautiful cellar door.
It's a worthy winner and, while the $115 price tag makes it the most expensive, the quality justifies the cost. Fortunately, you can sample this exquisite wine without the commitment as Kinross offers a taste of Macushla as part of their Classic Wine Tasting at their beautiful cellar door.
While the acclaim for Gibbston's Pinot Noir is well-deserved, overlooking the region's other stellar varietals would be a missed opportunity for any wine lover. For those seeking a captivating alternative, the vibrant and aromatic white wines produced here are a revelation.
The intense sunshine and cool nights are a perfect recipe for crafting stunning Pinot Gris and Riesling with incredible depth. A must-try is the Rastaburn Reisling from Peregrine Winery, readily available at their elegant cellar door. Medium dry in style, with a fine minerality and balanced with lovely fruit sweetness. This back vintage wine has been carefully cellared at Peregrine's Bendigo Estate, allowing it to age beautifully in the bottle for your delight.
For a truly unique Gibbston experience, venture into the world of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines. The region's climate is often compared to Champagne, and local winemakers have mastered the art of creating world-class bubbles that rival their French counterparts. A standout is the Gibbston Valley NV Methode Traditionelle. Pure pristine Central Otago fruit has gone into the classically-styled Methode Traditionelle. Creamy, toasty notes are on the nose, with subtle brioche, straw and barrel derived aromatics. Using a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from premium Central Otago vineyards, the Gibbston Valley NV Methode Traditionelle has partial barrel fermentation, and full bottle fermentation.
Ultimately, the true magic of a Gibbston wine tasting lies in the journey itself. The breathtaking scenery, the stories behind each vintage, and the joy of discovering a new favourite pour. This is exactly the experience we're offering at Whizzy E-Bike Adventures. With self-guided tours you can hop between the world-class cellar doors, like the incredible Kinross, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the region's liquid treasures without a single worry. So, whether your perfect day ends with a bold Pinot Noir from Kinross or a stunning aromatic white found along the trail, remember that the best Gibbston wine tour is one enjoyed on two wheels. We can’t wait to see you on a Whizzy E-Bike Adventure, ready to unlock the next unforgettable chapter in the Valley of the Vines.
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So next time you’re considering Queenstown bike hire, think about choosing an E-Bike for your adventure. With the convenience, comfort, and fun factor, it’s the ultimate way to experience everything Gibbston has to offer!
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