Akitu vineyard
Akitu is a boutique Central Otago winery devoted entirely to Pinot Noir, crafting single vineyard wines that capture the purity and character of the Wānaka wine region. Set high above the Upper Clutha Basin on the sun drenched slopes of Mount Barker, Akitu has become one of New Zealand's most exciting Pinot Noir producers. With its spectacular alpine setting and uncompromising focus on one variety, Akitu offers a wine experience that is both rare and unmistakably Central Otago.
The story of Akitu began when founder Andrew Donaldson discovered an exceptional north facing site overlooking Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr David Jordan, the 12 hectare vineyard was planted exclusively with Pinot Noir in 2002 and 2003. Rather than rushing to market, the team patiently waited a decade before releasing their first vintage, allowing the vineyard to mature and fully express its remarkable potential. The name Akitu, meaning "summit" or "highest point" in te reo Māori, reflects the winery's pursuit of excellence in every bottle.
Unlike many Central Otago wineries, Akitu focuses solely on Pinot Noir, producing a collection of wines that showcase different expressions of the same exceptional vineyard. From the approachable A2 Pinot Noir to the flagship A1 Pinot Noir and limited Arête Pinot Noir, every wine highlights the elegance, freshness and complexity that have become the hallmarks of this remarkable site. The winery has also gained recognition for its innovative Pinot Noir Blanc, a distinctive blanc de noirs that offers a fresh interpretation of New Zealand Pinot Noir.
The vineyard sits at approximately 380 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest and most marginal vineyard sites in Central Otago. Warm summer days, cool alpine nights and a long growing season create ideal conditions for producing Pinot Noir with vibrant acidity, refined tannins and exceptional ageing potential. Every vine is carefully managed with a philosophy of allowing the vineyard to speak naturally through each vintage.
A visit to Akitu is an opportunity to discover one of Wānaka's hidden wine treasures and experience a winery dedicated to a single purpose: producing world class Pinot Noir. Combining breathtaking scenery, meticulous vineyard management and an unwavering commitment to quality, Akitu stands among Central Otago's most exciting boutique wine producers and offers an unforgettable expression of the Wānaka wine region.
