Burn Cottage is a boutique winery in Central Otago, renowned for its biodynamic approach to winemaking. Established in 2002, the estate was founded by Marquis and Dianne Sauvage, an American couple. After searching globally for the perfect vineyard site, they discovered a 24-hectare property in the foothills of the Pisa Range.
With no prior grape plantings, Burn Cottage was developed from scratch under the guidance of renowned biodynamic consultant Ted Lemon of Littorai Wines. The vineyard was cultivated using organic and biodynamic principles, focusing on soil health and natural vineyard balance.

Specialising in Pinot Noir, Burn Cottage quickly gained a reputation for producing elegant, expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of Central Otago. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking has cemented Burn Cottage as one of New Zealand’s most respected wineries.

The Burn Cottage Vineyard is located in Central Otago’s Cromwell Basin, nestled in the foothills of the Pisa Range. The site is sheltered from both northerly and southerly winds by large hills and forms a beautiful, protected bowl, much like a modern amphitheatre.

This unique terroir is characterised by a combination of climate, soil composition, and elevation that contributes to the winery’s distinctive Pinot Noir.

The soils are a mix of schist-derived loess, gravel, and clay. The presence of windblown silts and deep mineral deposits enhances water retention and provides essential nutrients, resulting in wines with fine tannin structure and vibrant minerality.

Burn Cottage follows biodynamic farming principles, emphasising soil health and vineyard biodiversity. This approach enhances the expression of terroir, producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the site.