AKARUA

Akarua is a unique site made of 52 ha (including 34.5 ha of vines) nestled in the foothills of snow-capped mountains, on the bank of the Kawarau River, upstream of Dunstan Lake and amid breathtaking scenery. Located in the Central Otago region, in Bannockburn, the vineyard, first planted in the 1990’s, is planted over three terraces facing west giving it intense all-day sun during the growing season. This exceptional terroir offers a great pinot noir expression, as a reflection of the dramatically beautiful mountains surrounding the estate.

Akarua means “two vines” in Maori, referring to the original grape varieties planted in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs: pinot noir and chardonnay. They now represent 78.5 % and 2% of the parcels respectively, and a small amount of pinot gris and riesling completes the offering.

Akarua now joins the family of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage properties found on four continents, in France, Spain, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand. Ten years after founding Rimapere in the Sauvignon Blanc paradise of the Marlborough Valley, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage is continuing its journey in New Zealand. When the Group purchased Akarua in 2022, it acquired one of the largest terroirs of Pinot Noir in the world and drawing on the know-how of local teams and on its own international winemaking expertise to optimise Akarua’s outstanding potential in order to produce the country’s finest pinot noir from a single estate, to create elegant wines and exceptional cuvées.

The Edmond de Rothschild Heritage has always championed environmental measures, and one of the first decisions made at Akarua was take the winery down the organic route as well with conversion beginning in 2023 with the aim of gaining certification in time for the 2026 vintage.

Pete Bartle

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Pete fell in love with Central Otago over 20 years ago, captivated by its magnificent landscapes. His vinification of the region’s various terroirs forged over many years from his position at VinPro – an organisation that produces various wines from numerous estates. His reputation as one of Central Otago’s most highly reputed oenologists and winemakers is well known. In his heart lies a passion for pinot noir and chardonnay, and his aim at Akarua is to enhance the quality of the wines to their highest heights.