mt Difficulty wines

The story of Mt Difficulty Wines began in the early 1990s with a group of passionate vineyard owners known as 'The Gang of Four.' These pioneers, who owned five newly planted vineyards in Bannockburn, made a commitment with just a handshake to collaborate and produce wine under a single label. This handshake bound the owners of Molyneux, Mansons Farm, Verboeket Estate, and Full Circle until 2004 when Mt Difficulty Wines Ltd was officially established, bringing most of the individual vineyards under one company. Surprisingly, the toughest decision for the Gang of Four was choosing a name for their new label.

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The first vintage under the Mt Difficulty label was released in 1998, featuring a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay. Before this, the fruit from these vineyards had been sold to other wineries like Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm. That same year, Matt Dicey joined the team to help build Mt Difficulty’s winery, and he has remained with the company ever since, becoming the head winemaker. Over the years, Matt has expanded the portfolio to include aromatic white varieties and single vineyard expressions while staying true to Mt Difficulty’s signature style. In 2018, he celebrated his 20th vintage with the winery.

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Today, Mt Difficulty is comprised of a diverse range of vineyards spread across Central Otago, from Gibbston to Lowburn Valley and Bendigo, with its heart still firmly rooted in Bannockburn. Central Otago’s unique continental climate and distinct soils make it an ideal region for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Yet, the spirit of innovation remains strong, as the winery continues to explore new possibilities with experimental plantings of Chenin Blanc and Syrah.

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