WILD EARTH

It was the sea and not the land that originally held Wild Earths owner Quintin Quider's heart. Being a commercial diver, he fell in love with New Zealand's rugged landscape and moved from Southern California to Stewart Island with his partner and young family. The lure of wine growing soon followed as he developed a passion for New Zealand Pinot Noir. Never one to turn his back on a challenge, when the opportunity to purchase a vineyard in the worlds Southern-most wine growing region presented itself, Quintin seized it. The Wild Earth journey had begun.

Wild Earth is a small family owned winery who produce award winning Pinot Noir and also some wonderful examples of aromatic and vibrant Pinot Gris, elegant cool climate Chardonnay, dry and sweet style Rieslings and beautiful Pinot Noir Rose. Our clay, schist, silty loam soils and alpine climate produce a wine that is one of a kind. Each year the precious Bannockburn terroir gives us luscious bunches of Pinot pleasure. We only use French oak for barrel maturation. All grapes are handpicked, and this gentle handling of the fruit gives you a true expression of the rugged landscape. In 2008, Wild Earth was awarded six trophies in London at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter Awards, including Champion Red Wine and Champion Pinot Noir. All vintages have been highly regarded and awarded medals in New Zealand and internationally.

Since 2015 our wines are being made by Jen Parr, an Oregon native and graduate of Stanford University. Jen has a depth of international winemaking experience including in the USA, France, South Africa and Australia. She has completed 15 harvests in NZ and is approaching 28 vintages overall. Jen loves to share her tremendous passion for wine and winemaking, teaching others about wine and its endless potential for enjoyment. She is an accomplished Wine Judge and is very active in the local wine industry. We are thrilled to have her as our winemaker.

Thought wine barrels were only for wine? Beside wine we also run a busy restaurant. The Stoaker Room by Wild Earth is a truly unique dining experience. We pride ourselves on creating a relaxed and memorable experience. Our menu provides a taste sensation of fresh New Zealand cuisine and Central Otago wine. Utilising retired French oak Pinot Noir wine barrel cookers called 'the Stoaker', we steam, bake, grill and smoke our delicious array of regional foods on the spot. Our signature dish The Oak Stave is chef's selection of five tasting dishes designed for sharing, matched with five of our award-winning wines. Wild Earth catering is the next best way to experience our unique concept. The option of great wine, the Stoaker barrel cooker and a personal chef that comes right to you, we have a no limitations approach and no location is too wild for us.

Since 2015 our wines are being made by Jen Parr, an Oregon native and graduate of Stanford University. Jen has a depth of international winemaking experience including in the USA, France, South Africa and Australia. She has completed 15 harvests in NZ and is approaching 28 vintages overall. Jen loves to share her tremendous passion for wine and winemaking, teaching others about wine and its endless potential for enjoyment. She is an accomplished Wine Judge and is very active in the local wine industry. We are thrilled to have her as our winemaker.