McArthur Ridge is a high-altitude estate in Central Otago’s Alexandra Basin, defined by vast skies, ancient soils, and the precision of cool-climate winemaking. With over 200 hectares under vine, it stands as one of the largest contiguous vineyards in the region — yet operates with the finesse and attention to detail of a boutique producer. Its wines, especially Pinot Noir, reflect the clarity of the air, the ruggedness of the land, and a refined interpretation of one of the southernmost wine regions in the world.

Perched on elevated terraces and planted predominantly to Pinot Noir, McArthur Ridge’s vineyards are shaped by extremes: scorching summer days, crisp alpine nights, and schist-laden soils that force the vines to dig deep and grow slow. This combination yields small, concentrated berries with high natural acidity and aromatic lift — the building blocks for structure and purity. Sustainability is central to their philosophy, with regenerative practices and a deep respect for biodiversity guiding viticulture across the property.

In the winery, the focus is on minimal intervention and parcel-by-parcel vinification. Fermentations are conducted in small lots, often with wild yeasts and partial whole-bunch inclusion to add complexity and site character. Oak is used judiciously — predominantly French, and largely seasoned — to support, not overshadow, the wine’s natural rhythm. The winemaking style is detailed and restrained, allowing fruit clarity and site expression to guide the outcome.

The wines are poised, structured, and expressive of place. Pinot Noir leads with wild red berries, thyme, and a stony, mineral core — silky on the palate but underpinned by fine tannins and quiet tension. Rosé is crisp and delicately textured, while newer plantings and experimental releases suggest a growing curiosity in pushing varietal and stylistic boundaries. Across the portfolio, the wines are shaped by altitude, season, and a philosophy that favours clarity over excess.

What defines McArthur Ridge is its scale in service of precision — a producer that harnesses the breadth of its vineyard to isolate and refine, crafting wines that feel both expansive and intimate.

These are wines that rise from the rock — focused, grounded, and built to speak clearly of the land that made them.