A Sparkling Wine Journey Through Central Otago
Three Wineries. Three Winemaking Philosophies. One Remarkable Region.
Central Otago may be best known for Pinot Noir, but there is another side to the region’s wine story waiting to be discovered. The Central Otago Sparkling Wine Journey is a private, carefully curated experience exploring organic and biodynamic vineyards, natural wines, pét nat and méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine.
Travelling through Cromwell, Bendigo and Bannockburn with your own Obelisk driver-guide, you’ll visit three distinctive Central Otago producers. Along the way, you’ll meet the people, learn about the land and discover how different winemaking philosophies shape what eventually reaches your glass.
This is not a standard wine tour or a race between cellar doors. It is a relaxed, story-led journey designed for people who want to experience Central Otago wine more deeply.
A Different Kind of Central Otago Wine Tour
This private experience can be tailored around your interests, available time and appetite.
Your day may include:
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Private transport with a local Obelisk driver-guide
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Tastings at O Naturel, Quartz Reef and Carrick
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Organic, biodynamic and natural wine insights
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Méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine education
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Behind-the-scenes winery access
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An optional hosted Bendigo vineyard visit
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Shared plates, cheese boards or a full vineyard lunch
All winery visits and experiences are subject to availability.
We will personally plan and confirm the details of your journey before the day.
Three Wineries. Three Different Approaches.
A private journey through organic vineyards, boutique producers and the region’s distinctive sparkling wines.
O Naturel Wines
Begin at O Naturel, a small organic vineyard and winery near Cromwell created after more than 20 years of growing wine in Central Otago.
This relaxed introduction explores organic and low-intervention winemaking, small-batch production and wines that allow the fruit and vineyard to speak for themselves. Depending on availability, tastings may include organic sparkling wine, sparkling rosé, pét nat and expressive Central Otago still wines.
Quartz Reef Wines
Quartz Reef brings the traditional-method sparkling wine story to life.
Established in Bendigo in 1998, Quartz Reef produces méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine from its single-vineyard estate, alongside acclaimed Central Otago Pinot Noir. The vineyard is Demeter-certified biodynamic and the winery is BioGro-certified organic.
Your experience may include a guided tasting and a closer look at the slow, highly skilled process behind traditional-method sparkling wine—from secondary fermentation and ageing on lees to riddling and disgorgement.
Optional Bendigo Vineyard Experience: Extend your journey with a hosted visit to Quartz Reef’s Bendigo vineyard for a deeper look at biodynamic farming, soils, climate and the landscape behind the wines.
Carrick Winery
Finish among the vines at Carrick’s certified-organic Bannockburn estate.
Carrick has been producing organic, estate-grown Central Otago wines for decades, combining wild fermentation and considered winemaking with a strong focus on soil health and biodiversity.
Enjoy a pét nat or organic wine tasting, then slow the pace with shared plates, a cheese board or an optional vineyard lunch overlooking the Bannockburn landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Exclusive Central Otago Sparkling Wine Tour
Does Central Otago produce sparkling wine?
Yes. Although Central Otago is internationally recognised for Pinot Noir, the region also produces premium méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine, pét nat and other small-batch sparkling styles. Its cool nights help grapes retain the natural acidity needed for high-quality sparkling wine.
Is this an organic wine tour?
The journey focuses on wineries with strong organic or biodynamic credentials. O Naturel grows organic wines, Quartz Reef’s vineyard is Demeter-certified biodynamic and its winery is BioGro-certified organic, while Carrick’s Bannockburn estate is also BioGro-certified organic.
Is the Central Otago Sparkling Wine Journey private?
Yes. This is a completely private Central Otago wine tour for your group, with a dedicated Obelisk driver-guide and an itinerary planned around your interests.
Do you offer pick-up from Queenstown or Wānaka?
Yes. Private transport can be arranged from Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell, Clyde, Alexandra and surrounding areas. Travel time and pricing will depend on your pick-up location and chosen itinerary.
What is méthode traditionnelle?
Méthode traditionnelle is a sparkling winemaking process in which the second fermentation takes place inside the bottle. The wine is then aged on its lees before the bottles are riddled and disgorged. It is the traditional process used to produce Champagne, although wines made outside the Champagne region are called sparkling wine.
Which wineries are included?
The proposed journey includes O Naturel Wines near Cromwell, Quartz Reef in Cromwell and Bendigo, and Carrick Winery in Bannockburn. Exact visits and tasting experiences are confirmed according to winery availability.
Can we include lunch?
Absolutely. The journey can finish with a cheese board, shared plates or a full vineyard lunch at Carrick. We can discuss dietary requirements and preferred dining styles when planning your tour.
How do we book?
Every Obelisk experience begins with a conversation. Tell us where you are staying, who is travelling and what interests you most, and we will create a personalised proposal for your Central Otago Sparkling Wine Journey. Click here to enquire now.
