The winery
Akarua
A winery in Bannockburn, Central Otago (New Zealand), known for its expression of Pinot Noir and now part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group. It is transitioning its practices toward regenerative and organic viticulture.
- Central Otago · Nuova Zelanda
- Since 1996
- 1 product
The story
The Akarua estate was established as a vineyard in the Bannockburn area: the property was purchased by Sir Clifford and Lady Marie Skeggs in the 1990s, with the first plantings carried out in the mid-1990s and the first bottles produced from the 1999 harvest. In 2022/2023 the brand and estate joined the portfolio of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, which announced plans for development and integration with its international winemaking practices.
Production philosophy
Strong focus on the land and grape quality: Akarua adopts regenerative viticulture and organic methods with the aim of certification, seeking to showcase the terroir of Bannockburn through precision viticulture and respect for biodiversity.
Terroir and vineyards
Located in the Bannockburn sub-district of Central Otago, the estate occupies west-facing terraces in the mountain foothills along the Kawarau River, set on mineral soils and a continental climate that favors the expression of Pinot Noir.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Pinot Rosé
- Hectares
- 34.5
What makes it distinctive
- Main site in Bannockburn, Central Otago
- Part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage group
- Transition to organic practices and regenerative viticulture
- Strong focus on Pinot Noir and 100% estate-grown wines.
- Total estate reported as 52 hectares, 34.5 hectares under vine, according to sources.