Land that was once a high country sheep station is now a flourishing vineyard. Sheep and rabbits co-existed on the land for quite some time but the sheep couldn't keep up with the nocturnal activity of the rabbits, and in the end were driven off the land. The owner of the Rabbit Ranch - Mr McGregor, planted some vines and tried unsuccessfully to reduce the rabbit population. Rabbits now run free on the vineyard and fueled by high altitude Pinot Noir, some are reputed to be the size of ponies, but that's another story... Central Otago Pinot Noirs are becoming world famous as brilliant examples of the potential of the elusive perfumed Pinot Noir grape when grown in areas of complementary terroir. Like Burgundy - cool climate, inland sites are required, close to the 45th parallel to ensure a long slow ripening period. Pinot Noir quality is very yield sensitive and Central Otago Pinot Noirs are no exception to that rule. The Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir is made in a very soft, fruit forward, low tannin style - a wine to be savoured and supped, rather than an assault on the senses.

Summer in a glass, dry Provençal style - crushed berries over alpine flower & citrus sorbet. Made from 100% Central Otago Pinot Noir fruit, lightly pressed to extract just enough colour to deliver the provencal-esque pale pink. Fermented dry to allow the delicate Pinot red fruit characters and cool climate minerality to hop across your palate.

The Rabbit Ranch Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc from their vineyards in the South Island of New Zealand and the Central Otago Rabbit Ranch home block. A cool climate, elegant yet assertive style Sauvignon Blanc, left on the lees for approx 3 months to tone down some of the overt grassy, grapefruit notes and giving a lovely textural boost to the wine.

On the palate, there fruity sensations of red fruits, plums and peaches, coupled with a characteristic acidity.

Intense fresh strawberry and cherry aromas, with a touch of red liquorice. Fresh and easy-drinking, with a good balance of acidity. It has a persistent fruity finish.

Intense fruit flavours reminiscent of red berries, violets and liquorice. There is good structure on the palate, its well-rounded with fruity sensations and a long aftertaste.

Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon is vibrant in colour with aromas of cassis and chocolate, and a full bodied, richly structured palate of blackberry flavours subtly framed with French and American oak.

An addition to the Villa Maria family - a family-owned and operated business.

Fresh and crisp on the palate with a dry finish. The aromas & palate are full of exotic fruits, strawberry and cheery with a hint of spice. The mouth is full and the fruit is persistent and salivating. Serve chilled.

A fragrant nose of fresh blueberries, a little vanillin, mixed spice, cedar and a floral hint of perfumed violets. The palate is approachable, graceful palate of mulberry and blueberry compote. Up front, juicy flesh of plum with underlying notes of chocolate coated coffee beans, mint, black pepper, and a hint of earthy truffles. A solid backbone of supporting acidity extends these characters towards the finish.

Rockburn's 'hands-off' approach delivers a pure expression of Central Otago to your glass; an expressive nose and deeply fruited palate displaying vibrant notes of red and black cherry, rich mocha and supple, silky tannins leading into a very long finish. As always this wine shows classic Rockburn elegance, integrity and balance. Enjoy with friends over the next 4-9 years.

Our Pinot Gris features ripe peach, nectarine and Nashi pear aromas, heralding a vibrantly fruity, luscious palate.