On the grape trail

If you're southern-bound this winter, it would be rude not to try a drop of the local grape. And Queenstown travellers have a veritable world of wine at their feet, with the resort town serving as a prime gateway into the wonders of Central Otago wine.
The region boasts 177 vineyards from where an estimated 6000 tonnes of grapes have just been harvested. "There is no better country on the face of the earth for the production of Burgundy grapes than Central Otago," said Italian viticulturist Romeo Bragato in a report for the New Zealand Government in 1895.
Central Otago's extreme continental climate has lived up to Bragato's expectations, providing a perfect growing environment for the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, in addition to their fellow cool-climate varieties including pinot gris and riesling.
The awards and accolades continue to be poured on Central Otago. The Times of London newspaper recently lauded the region's pinot noir as "knocking the rest of the world's producers for six".
You could spend many weeks sipping, swirling and spitting your merry way across Central Otago. But unless you're retired and have caseloads of time on your side, you'll have to pick and choose the best cellar doors to grace with your presence.
From Queenstown, here are my picks of the bunch, which are a quick and easy hop from the tourist mecca.
Set in a glorious valley of bucolic bliss, Chard Farm is a very established regional producer. Developed in 1987 by Motueka brothers Rob and Greg Hay, the Queenstown winery is renowned for its hospitality and innovation. Be sure to sample its new-release pinot noirs, strikingly named The Tiger and The Viper. The old cottage at the back of the farm has been converted into a vineyard homestay, with commanding views of Coronet Peak.
On the road to Arrowtown, Amisfield Wine Company is another proven performer, with an equally stupendous location, on the banks of glassy Lake Hayes. Amisfield is a specialist producer of pinot noir, aromatic wines - and if you are partial to bubbles, their Methode Traditionelle sparkling wine is a knock-out.
Synonymous with Queenstown is the neighbouring Gibbston Valley, and two smaller operators that are well worth calling into are Brennan Wines and Coal Pit Wine. The latter is a 12ha vineyard on the gorgeous slopes of Gibbston. This small family-owned vineyard produces some fabulous pinot and greets its visitors with hearty hospitality.
Brennan Wines is also a family-owned and operated winery, producing marvellous pinot noir and chardonnay. Most of the vineyard is more than 10 years old and its reputation among wine-buffs continues to flourish.
TOP TIPS

* With a top location in the centre of town and several blocks back from the lake, Scenic Suites Queenstown more than lives up to its name.
* The well-appointed and stylish apartments and studio rooms are of generous size and offer sublime lake and mountain panoramas.
* There are excellent facilities, parking and friendly service. Room rates are great value. www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz
* If you'd prefer someone else to do the driving so that you can enjoy sampling the region's grapes, book a guided wine tour. The daily wine tours visit a variety of vineyards including Gibbston Valley Wines. www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz