One of the best ways to experience some of Central Otago’s top wines is to hit the wine trail in Cromwell. The first of its kind in Central Otago, the trail offers the perfect combo – great scenery and great wine.
The self-paced 8km loop walking trail provides an easy way for wine-lovers to visit four of the regions top wine producers on foot. The trail includes stops at Aurum Wines, Scott Base and Wooing Tree Vineyard, with trail markers along the way to guide you. Whether its walking or cycling, along the trail you can enjoy the breath-taking scenery as you navigate through the orchards and around Lake Dunstan
The trail can be completed, with all tasting stops, in just under 4 hours, this includes a total walking time of approximately 90 minutes. Or why not make a day of it, take your time, and have a leisurely stop for lunch. At three of the tasting rooms there are lunch and platters available or if you prefer to bring your own picnic and find a scenic spot along the way.
Besides Central Otago’s famous pinot noir, there is a diverse range of wines on offer including pinot gris, rosé, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, riesling, sparkling and dessert style wines, and port.
The initiative for the walking wine trail, set up in 2017, was prompted by the increase in the number of tasting rooms that opened in Cromwell as well as the rise in tourism across the region. Each quarter, a winner is randomly selected from those who have completed the trail and had the passport page of their map stamped by each of the participating Tasting Rooms. The prize is a case of wine comprising premium selections from each winery.
Head into one of the participating wineries to find out more.
Wooing Tree is the last stop on the map so make sure you stop in for a visit to rest your legs and check out the Wooing Tree Estate site whilst you’re there.