Chard Farm, Central Otago

 Mention to Chard Farm to any of the many visitors to Central Otago and they will be just as familiar with its breath-taking entrance which takes you along the precipitous side of Kawarau River where scenes from The Lords of the Rings were filmed as they will be with its classic Pinots! Indeed it sees hundreds of dedicated thrill seekers visit its cellar door during summer and winter alike, either taking a break before a bungee jump or heli-skiing trip. Chard Farm was established in 1987 by Motueka brothers Rob and Greg Hay. Rob having studied winemaking for several years in Germany returned to New Zealand to search for the "terroir" that best emulated the cool continental climate and soils of Burgundy and Alsace, after a long search and carefully evaluating the peculiarities of grape growing in

Central Otago they selected the Chard Farm site. The region of Central Otago has it all; breath taking scenery, more adrenalin sports than you knew existed, fantastic atmosphere and amazing wines. The J&J Chardonnay is of particular note as it is no longer made and comes from the last vintage. The Tiger, normally only available in a few selected restaurants and the winery cellar door is a single vineyard wine made and named in honour of Keith “Tiger” Thompson, the charismatic cellar door manager at Chard Farm for over ten years who sadly died in 2004. It has exotic red berry fruit with mild spice and earthy tones on the nose and complex fruit flavours and velvety tannins through the palate giving a fine, persistent and balanced finish. Only tiny production and only in great years.