Mt Difficulty Winery in Bannockburn, Central Otago
One of my favourite wineries for tastings, if just for the stand out views alone. The Mt Difficulty cellar door sits in a stunning position atop a long, narrow and winding driveway. Perched high up above it offers majestic views out across it’s vineyards, the Bannockburn Valley, and to indeed it’s namesake Mt Difficulty.
Wine tasting is a couple of dollars - free if you purchase - and you get to choose five wines from quite a substantial list. I opted for choices from their ‘dry whites’ which included delicate Otago Sauvignon Blanc, a complete contrast to its Marlborough compatriot, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
I should mention that there is also a Pinot Noir menu to opt for at an increased cost of $20. Given that this region is famous for it’s Pinot Noir it’s probably a popular choice.
Just beyond the wine tasting area is an outside deck which opens up to capture those stupendous views. There are several table and chairs to relax in whilst you enjoy your wine of choice.
The onsite restaurant also comes with great reviews and is recommended for enjoying a platter in between tastings.