Akarua is a distinguished winery located in the heart of Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand. Established in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs and his family, Akarua has become renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, among other varietals. The name ‘Akarua’ translates as ‘two vines’ in Māori, reflecting the initial planting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the estate.

10 years after the founding of Rimapere in Marlborough, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage acquired the Akarua brand, winery, and 34 hectare vineyard in 2022.
Drawing on the know-how of local teams and on its own international winemaking expertise, the new owner’s ambition is to nurture Akarua’s outstanding potential in order to produce the country’s finest pinot noir from a single estate.

The vast majority of the estate’s 34 hectares are in Cairnmuir, ideally placed given its reputation as the holy grail of Bannockburn. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains and amid breathtaking scenery, the land here offers rare balanced conditions which are suited to producing very fine pinot noirs. On gentle north-west facing slopes, the vineyard is exposed to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, whilst the westerly wind reduces the risk of plant disease and frost.

The company’s vision is to have the lowest possible impact on the environment and preserve the unique landscape and to leave it intact for future generations, while simultaneously producing exceptional wines. To that end, they are committed to sustainable practices, employing regenerative viticulture and organic methods, with the goal of achieving BioGro NZ certification by 2026.