Terra Sancta

Tucked away at the far end of Felton Road, an address that rings loud in New Zealand wine circles, Terra Sancta feels like a well-kept secret. This charming estate sits among the oldest vines in Bannockburn and offers much more than just excellent wine. It’s a place buzzing with character, curiosity, and connection to the land.

The cellar door is housed in a petite schist stone building that oozes rustic charm. In warmer months, the surrounding garden springs to life with picnic tables, umbrellas, and fragrant blooms, while the cosy interior makes it equally inviting come winter. From every angle, you're treated to those postcard-worthy Central Otago views: rows of vines stretching out towards dramatic mountain peaks.

True to its name (Latin for “sacred earth”) Terra Sancta is built on a deep appreciation for the soil that they’ve been putting down roots in for some time now. Inspired by a 1582 map of the Holy Land, their labels are works of art with a regal quality, packed with illustrated stories: the Kawarau River, Miro the vineyard dog, wild thyme, bees, and the ever-present Pinot Noir grape. Everything they produce, from wine to their award-winning rosé, botanical aperitivo, and olive oil, is traced back to a key character, place and story.

Unsurprising for the area, Terra Sancta is a Pinot Noir specialist, with 80% of their vines dedicated to this varietal, but the white wines are just as expressive, made from small parcels of special Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. In 2012, they set out on a mission to create New Zealand’s best rosé, something they can happily tick off after being named the country’s only “Super Classic” by wine critic Michael Cooper.

Whether it’s the foraging calendar, the “Mound of Microbes” (compost made from winemaking by-product) or the antics of the resident goats and hens, Terra Sancta is always alive with activity. Stop in for a $15 tasting, and don’t leave without a bottle or two.