About
Unearthing the Essence of Central Otago
At Horatio, we honour the adventurous spirit of Horatio Hartley, a pioneering gold miner whose quest for fortune in Central Otago shaped the history of this remarkable region. Just as Hartley unearthed gold from the rugged landscapes, we meticulously cultivate our vineyards to produce wines that embody the richness and diversity of the land.
The secret to Horatio’s success is great grapes, with the vineyard’s location in the Alexandra basin being key. It sits on an elevated plateau with gentle northern slopes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Growing on one of the southern-most vineyards in the world outside Argentina, the vineyard is on what’s known as the frontier of wine-growing. This rugged location has earned the vineyard a unique place in New Zealand’s wine story. While Central Otago wines are often associated with Gibbston Valley and areas nearby, our vineyard operates further south, about an hour and a half from the better-known regions. We refer to it as “farming on the edge”, reflecting the region’s extreme weather conditions and challenging landscape. Temperatures can swing from a frigid -10C in winter to scorching highs above 40C in summer, testing the resilience of the vines and the dedication of the team year-round.
Our Heritage
Inspired by Horatio Hartley’s legacy, our winery is rooted in the traditions of exploration and craftsmanship. Central Otago’s unique terroir provides the perfect backdrop for our winemaking journey. With its dramatic landscapes and varied microclimates, this region allows us to create wines that are as vibrant and dynamic as its history.
At Horatio, we honour the adventurous spirit of Horatio Hartley, a pioneering gold miner whose quest for fortune in Central Otago shaped the history of this remarkable region. Just as Hartley unearthed gold from the rugged landscapes, we meticulously cultivate our vineyards to produce wines that embody the richness and diversity of the land.
The secret to Horatio’s success is great grapes, with the vineyard’s location in the Alexandra basin being key. It sits on an elevated plateau with gentle northern slopes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Growing on one of the southern-most vineyards in the world outside Argentina, the vineyard is on what’s known as the frontier of wine-growing. This rugged location has earned the vineyard a unique place in New Zealand’s wine story. While Central Otago wines are often associated with Gibbston Valley and areas nearby, our vineyard operates further south, about an hour and a half from the better-known regions. We refer to it as “farming on the edge”, reflecting the region’s extreme weather conditions and challenging landscape. Temperatures can swing from a frigid -10C in winter to scorching highs above 40C in summer, testing the resilience of the vines and the dedication of the team year-round.
Our Heritage
Inspired by Horatio Hartley’s legacy, our winery is rooted in the traditions of exploration and craftsmanship. Central Otago’s unique terroir provides the perfect backdrop for our winemaking journey. With its dramatic landscapes and varied microclimates, this region allows us to create wines that are as vibrant and dynamic as its history.
Crafting Exceptional Wines
We believe in the power of nature and the artistry of winemaking. Our wines are handcrafted with passion and precision, showcasing the best of Central Otago’s renowned varietals. From our Pinot Noir to elegant whites, each bottle tells a story of our commitment to quality and sustainability.
We believe in the power of nature and the artistry of winemaking. Our wines are handcrafted with passion and precision, showcasing the best of Central Otago’s renowned varietals. From our Pinot Noir to elegant whites, each bottle tells a story of our commitment to quality and sustainability.