Quartz Reef is a biodynamic estate rooted in Bendigo, Central Otago — a site of striking intensity where sun, schist, and slope converge to shape wines of crystalline focus. Founded by Rudi Bauer, one of New Zealand’s most influential winemakers, Quartz Reef reflects a philosophy built on intuition, balance, and deep trust in the land. With a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and traditional method sparkling, the estate has become a benchmark for purity and longevity in the southern hemisphere.

The vineyard sits on steep north-facing slopes beneath the stark quartz-laced ridges of Bendigo Station — a place of extreme diurnal shifts, free-draining soils, and natural drama. Fully Demeter-certified biodynamic, the vineyard is managed as a living system: composts, cover crops, moon cycles, and quiet observation guide the work in the vines. Every decision is made with an eye to soil vitality, vine balance, and resilience — ensuring the vineyard expresses not only fruit, but life.

In the winery, the approach is minimal and finely tuned. Sparkling wines are made méthode traditionnelle with extended lees ageing and hand riddling, producing wines of finesse and tension. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are fermented with wild yeasts, with partial whole bunch for red ferments and gentle handling throughout. Oak is used sparingly, and sulphur only where necessary. The goal is not to shape the wine, but to let the site translate its voice with clarity and flow.

The wines are detailed and enduring. Vintage sparkling wines are lifted, mineral, and long on the palate — citrus zest, almond, and chalky length, structured to evolve. Pinot Noir is finely coiled — dark cherry, violet, wild herbs, and subtle spice over sleek tannins. Chardonnay is saline, linear, and quietly powerful. Across all expressions, there’s a signature calm: energy without excess, presence without weight.

What defines Quartz Reef is not volume or ambition, but trust — in site, in silence, in the slow unfolding of something true.

These are wines that carry the cool clarity of Central Otago not on the surface, but deep within — elemental, exacting, and built to echo long after the last glass.