The Waitaki Valley (Māori: Wai; water or tears, -taki; of Aoraki – Mount Cook) is a prominent valley in the central South Island, shaped by the braided Waitaki River, which drains the eastern slopes of the island’s main divide.
This extensive region encompasses Mount Cook and the Mackenzie Country with its iconic lakes. The Waitaki River supplies about 65% of New Zealand’s hydroelectric storage through a network of dams and canals, and historically marks the boundary between North Otago and Canterbury. Clos Ostler is located on the North Otago side of the river.
Founded by pioneering vintners, Clos Ostler was established by Waitaki trailblazers in 1998, after they discovered a vineyard site reminiscent of Burgundy’s slopes. Pinot Noir was first planted here in 2002, followed by Pinot Gris, in recognition of what they deemed “one of New Zealand’s most viticulturally significant soils.”
In 2021, new caretakers took on the vineyard, the family and owners of Yarra Yering, who are committed to “polishing the diamond” that is Clos Ostler. Nestled near Duntroon, the property encompasses an 8-hectare vineyard, home to the estate-famous Caroline’s Pinot Noir and Audrey’s Pinot Gris. With gently rolling hills and rocky limestone outcrops, the vineyard primarily faces north and is planted along four north-south rows.
Clos Ostler’s Caroline’s Pinot Noir has won gold at the London International Wine Challenge for six consecutive years, among other accolades. These wines are celebrated for their depth and complexity, echoing the vineyard's unique character.
In 2024, an additional 1.5 hectares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were added, solidifying Clos Ostler’s ‘Monopole’ status and ensuring its legacy for future vintages.
The beautiful yet challenging environment of the Waitaki Valley makes viticulture demanding but yields exceptional results for winemakers. Clos Ostler’s story began some 38 million years ago, as geological forces lifted an ancient limestone seabed to shape what would become the foundation of modern Waitaki Valley in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Today, the valley hosts one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wine-growing climates, perched near the very edge of viable vine-growing conditions. The poor soils encourage vines to grow deep, while powerful winds and a cool climate allow grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity under warm daytime sun. This "stressing" of the vines produces low-vigour plants, yielding grapes that are lower in volume but rich in flavour, complexity, and concentration.
Clos Ostler’s terroir offers a variety of altitudes, soil types, and microclimates. Paired with diverse Pinot Noir clones, these factors produce some of New Zealand’s most nuanced and complex wines—distinctive expressions that truly reflect this unique site.
