It's all about terroir

 Clos Ostler Vineyard

An ancient geological faulting process which occurred in the Valley created our unique vineyard site. A 38 million year old seabed was raised into a north facing limestone slope overlooking the braided Waitaki River. 

The original site of Ostler Vineyards' wines, 'Clos Ostler' in Racecourse Road was the raisin d'etre for the venture. Described by Jeff Sinnott as having "perhaps one of the most viticulturally significant soils in New Zealand", the site produces wines which elegantly express its terroir. As such they are unique - different even from those of neighbouring wine regions. A combination of the Valley's climate (see below) superimposed on the vineyard's aspect, soils and limestone substrata ensures unusual levels of complexity within the fruit flavours. 

The attention of vineyard staff to accurate viticulture provides the human element essential to achieve the balance for this process. The word fastidious comes to mind. In a climate close to the margins for winegrowing the requirement for achieving greatness is absolute attention to detail in the vineyard. No compromise.

Blue House and Lake Waitaki Vineyards

In addition to our estate-grown wines from 'Clos Ostler', Ostler produces wines from fruit grown by selected growers both within the Waitaki Valley and without. The source of our wines is always identified on their labels as designated vineyards.

Blue House Estate, owned and hand-tended by Rob and Pam Crosbie 12 km from the Ostler site is the source of beautiful pinot gris and riesling. On alluvial gravel with a limestone influence this vineyard produces wine with subtle differences in complexity and minerality.

Lake Waitaki Vineyard

'Lemon Springs' is a new development by Paul Sinnott at Lake Waitaki, inland from Kurow. This new vineyard was developed in 2008 to complement Ostler. As such it comprises a different more mineral soil and substrata comprised of alluvial schist gravels, as well as a somewhat warmer meso-climate. These parameters have been identified as appropriate for the production of fine riesling and other aromatic white wine grapes. Again, we seek minerality and balance in our wines from this vineyard. Lake Waitaki vineyard produced it's first crop of spectacular riesling and pinot gris grapes in 2011 utilizing the same intensive viticultural methods we use at 'Clos Ostler'. These will also be vineyard-designated wines under the Ostler label .

The Climate

The Waitaki Valley climate is maritime by comparison with nearby Central Otago. A temperate summer season with prolonged autumn warmth provides a longer, somewhat cooler season. Daily summer sea-breezes act as air-conditioning, limiting excessive summer heat. In spring and autumn catabatic down-valley breezes reduce frost risk.

The resultant long "hang-time" for ripening grapes creates full fruit ripeness with associated complex flavour development , but without excessively high sugars and therefore high alcohols in the wines.

This climate is not for the faint-hearted winegrower however. Full fruit ripeness and therefore harvest does not occur until the end of April or into May. Nail-biting patience is required for spectacular rewards!

The Waitaki Valley

The Waitaki -(Maori: Wai; water or tears, -taki; of Aoraki -Mount Cook) - is a central South Island valley formed by a braided river draining the eastern side of the Central South Island's main divide. This large area encompasses Mount Cook and the McKenzie Country including its lakes. The Waitaki River provides some 65% of New Zealand's hydro-electricity storage through a series of dams and canals. The river forms the old provincial boundary between North Otago and Canterbury.

Ostler's vineyards are situated in North Otago on the south side of the river.

The Waitaki holds a small population of resourceful, independent families who grow fine produce in quantity and quality out of proportion to their low numbers. More info at Waitaki Valley Vistor's Guide. or www.kurow.org.nz

The Vintner's Drop - the  Waitaki's Regional tasting Room

Situated in Kurow township in the old Kurow Post Office, The Vintner's Drop acts as the retail outlet for Ostler and many of the local Waitaki wines. Open seasonally for tastings and bottle sales. In summer hours are from 11 - 1900 hrs seven days a week; hours reduce in the spring and autumn and we are closed during the winter, but will open for group tastings by appointment. Phone 03 436 0545.

Accommodation 

12.5 km down Valley from Kurow on SH 83 is the old Otekaieke church, now a charming holiday retreat with two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, log burner,  washing machine - everything required for a hassle-free stay for one or two couples or a small family.

Rates on application - seasonal variation - phone The Vintner's Drop 03 436 0545