Central Wine Retreat
A closer look at Central Otago wine
Over three days, explore Central Otago through its vineyards, wineries, and the people behind them. Taste wines where they’re grown, spend time with producers, and gain a clearer understanding of what shapes the region’s style and character.
What is the Central Wine Retreat 2026?
Central Wine Retreat is an invitation to experience Central Otago from the inside.
Designed for wine trade, this three-day programme brings a small group of guests into the region for direct access to the people, places and wines that define it.
Guests are hosted by participating wineries and taken beyond the tasting room, into vineyards, cellars and conversations that offer a deeper understanding of how Central Otago wines are grown, made and expressed.
Travel, accommodation and all experiences are included.
This trip was without a doubt the single best experience I have been afforded the opportunity to experience in my entire career of 18 years.
Honestly, everything was amazing - such a magic once in a lifetime opportunity - now to get some more Central Otago wines on the list!
I have never experienced a wine region with such a strong sense of community.
Who it's for
Wine buyers, sommeliers and industry professionals responsible for selecting, listing and recommending wine across on-premise and retail.
We’re looking for those actively engaged with New Zealand wine who want to build deeper knowledge, context and connection to Central Otago.
How it works and what's included
Applications are open to wine trade and media, with a limited number of guests selected each year. Participating wineries review applications and nominate attendees, with successful applicants hosted in Central Otago for the duration of the programme.
The experience includes return flights, accommodation in Central Otago, all transport during the programme, and full access to tastings, workshops and experiences, along with hosted lunches and dinners.
The experience
A programme designed to take you beyond the glass, building a layered understanding of Central Otago through both structured tastings and time in the field.
Across three days, you’ll move between focused sessions and hands-on experiences. Mornings might begin with sparkling over breakfast, followed by Pinot Noir workshops and large-scale tastings that explore the breadth of the region. Afternoons shift into the vineyards, whether on foot, by bike or via 4WD, offering a closer look at the sites, landscapes and conditions that shape the wines.
The experience unfolds as a progression from the region’s history through to what’s in the glass today, combining technical insight with time spent alongside the growers and winemakers behind it all.
Participating Wineries
Akarua, Amisfield, Burn Cottage, Carrick, Chard Farm, Dicey, Domaine Thomson, Gibbston Valley, Maude, Moko Hills, Monte Christo Winery, Mora, Mount Edward, Mt Difficulty, Nevis Bluff, Peregrine, Prophet's Rock, Pyramid Valley / Lowburn Ferry Wines, Quartz Reef, Rippon, Two Paddocks, Valli & Wooing Tree.
Questions? We've got answers!
There is no cost to attend. The experience is fully funded with all expenses paid, made possible by the participating Central Otago wineries.
What is the cost to participate?
Are you the owner, key buyer or sommelier? Perhaps you recommend wines or have input into the wine list? Do you love wine and want to know more? Are you curious to meet the personalities that make Central Otago’s finest? If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions – we are looking forward to meeting you. If not - we’d welcome advice from you or your manager, on who might be best to attend from your business.
Are you right person to attend in your business?
For any questions and to discuss your application please email info@cowa.org.nz.