Wild Earth Winery

Wild Earth is a Central Otago producer founded in 1998 by Californian expatriate Quintin Quider, who recognised the South Island's potential for serious Pinot Noir. Based in Bannockburn with vineyards overlooking the Kawarau River, Wild Earth focuses exclusively on two varieties: Pinot Noir and Riesling. Winemaker Jen Parr was named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year 2020 by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine, and the producer's Pinot Noirs have earned consistent recognition from the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards. If you want Central Otago Pinot with genuine pedigree and measured winemaking, this is where to look.

About Wild Earth Winery

Founder Quintin Quider assembled a small, focused team—winemaker Jen Parr and viticulturist Gary Crabbe—with a single directive: make the finest Pinot Noir and Riesling the vineyards can produce. The Pinot Noir programme draws from three distinct vineyard blocks: Bendigo, Bannockburn, and Pisa. These sites provide the fruit for a blend that includes approximately 18 per cent whole bunch, a technique that contributes both aromatic complexity and structured tannins. The wine spends 12 months in French oak barriques—a mix of new and used—before release. The result is vibrant, cherry and red berry-led, with wild herb and earthy undertones, built on a richly textured palate that reflects the vineyard sites' individual character. The Riesling comes from a single vineyard near the Waitaki River in North Otago, where limestone-rich soils deliver minerality and focus. Fermentation is arrested at a precise point to achieve off-dry balance: residual sugar paired with acidity, finishing with a long, crisp, mineral line. This restraint defines Wild Earth's approach across both wines: technical precision matched to site expression, not extraction or manipulation.

Wild Earth Winery Wines in Our Collection

The 2021 Central Otago Pinot Noir scored 94 points overall (96 from Decanter World Wine Awards, 95 from Raymond Chan Wine Reviews), offering slightly more bottle maturity if you prefer wines with a touch more secondary development. For white wine drinkers, the 2023 North Otago Riesling (92 points, 95 from Raymond Chan Wine Reviews) delivers dry minerality with floral lift—an off-dry profile that works as both aperitif and food wine without sweetness fatigue. Buy the Pinot for dinner with substance; choose the Riesling if you want a white that tastes refined rather than dessert-leaning, despite its slight residual sugar.

Food Pairing

Wild Earth's Pinot Noir suits duck breast, venison, and mushroom-based dishes—the whole-bunch component adds aromatic lift that complements earthy flavours. Roasted lamb with rosemary works beautifully. The North Otago Riesling pairs with cured fish, white-fleshed seafood, and Asian dishes with salt and spice; its dry, mineral finish cuts through umami and heat without clashing. Both wines reward minimal manipulation in the kitchen.

Why does Wild Earth focus only on Pinot Noir and Riesling?

The producer believes these varieties express Central Otago and North Otago's terroir most authentically. Their sole aim is to make the finest examples their vineyards can produce, not a diverse portfolio.

What makes the 2021 and 2022 Pinot Noirs different?

The 2021 has slightly more bottle maturity and scored higher (94 vs 91 points). The 2022 is fresher and more primary in character. Both use whole-bunch fermentation and 12 months French oak aging.

Is the North Otago Riesling sweet?

It is off-dry, not sweet. Fermentation was stopped to balance residual sugar with acidity, creating a crisp, mineral-driven finish without dessert-wine character.

Who makes Wild Earth Winery wines?

Wild Earth was founded in 1998 by Californian expatriate Quintin Quider in Central Otago, New Zealand. Winemaker Jen Parr, named NZ Winemaker of the Year 2020, leads production alongside viticulturist Gary Crabbe.

What style of wine does Wild Earth make?

Wild Earth makes Pinot Noir and Riesling exclusively. The Pinot Noir is bold and structured with cherry, red berry, wild herb and earthy notes; the 2021 scored 94 points. The Riesling is aromatic, off-dry and mineral-focused.

How much does Wild Earth wine cost?

Wild Earth wines range between £19.20 and £31.65. The North Otago Riesling starts at £19.20, while Central Otago Pinot Noir runs from £29.75 to £31.65 depending on vintage.