Waitaki Valley New Zealand Wine Estate

Waitaki Valley

38 million years in the making. The story of Clos Ostler began long before the first vines were planted. 38 million years ago, geological forces lifted an ancient seabed from the ocean floor, forming the limestone landscape that defines the Waitaki Valley today.

Close to the 45th parallel, the Waitaki is one of New Zealand’s smallest and coolest wine-growing regions. The combination of limestone soils and cool climate marginal growing conditions draw natural parallels with the great cool-climate vineyards of Burgundy, while producing wines distinctly of the region.

Ancient Limestone Soils

The Waitaki’s limestone originates from ancient marine sediments laid down when much of the region lay beneath the sea. Fossilised shells and marine deposits can still be found throughout the landscape today.

Low in fertility and free draining, these limestone-rich soils naturally moderate vine growth and yields. Together with the region’s cool climate, they play an important role in the structure and character of the wines.

A Long Cool Growing Season

The Waitaki has a distinctly cool climate, with warm summer days and long, dry autumns allowing fruit to ripen slowly over an extended season.

Sheltered within the shadow of the Southern Alps, the region has a remarkably dry climate. Frost remains a constant consideration at either end of the growing season, placing winegrowing here close to the edge of viability.