THE VINEYARDS OF CENTRAL OTAGO

VIV MILSOM & MIKE WILKINSON, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, H/B $55

Today Central Otago is viewed as one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand wine regions, but back in the 1970s and 80s it was a different matter. The first winegrowing pioneers were told they were crazy to attempt to grow vines so far south – it was too cold, the summer was too short to ripen the grapes and there was little knowledge of the growing conditions. In this book Viv Milsom tells the stories of this determined handful of growers, drawing out the growth and character not only of the people but of one of the world’s most admired pinot noir regions. Gorgeous photos by Wanaka-based photographer Mike Wilkinson capture both the splendour of this majestic region and the essence of day-to-day operations of these flourishing wineries, covering 21 wineries in six regions – Gibbston, Alexandra, Bannockburn, Lowburnpisa, Bendigo and Wanaka. TW