The story
Monte Christo Winery in Alexandra traces its roots to 1864, when French entrepreneur Jean Désiré Féraud planted the South Island’s first commercial vineyard during the local gold rush. The original schist cellar survived a devastating storm and now anchors the estate where modern Central Otago wine continues Féraud’s legacy. Dr Stanley Paris and his son Nicholas, a Master of Wine, stumbled upon the property during a family reunion and spent years restoring the heritage stonework alongside Heritage New Zealand. Their careful revival transformed a forgotten homestead into a working vineyard that honours early agricultural ambition.
Visitors gather in the restored tasting room beneath exposed beams and large windows that frame the surrounding vineyards. The adjacent garden features a pétanque court and a dedicated play area, creating a relaxed setting for afternoon visits. Fritzy, the on-site food trailer, serves artisanal pizzas and locally sourced small plates designed specifically for wine matching. Guests often choose to dine near the indoor fireplace during cooler months while sampling the estate’s core range.
The winemaking team employs minimal intervention techniques across twenty-two hectares of organically farmed vines spread through the Alexandra Basin, Bannockburn, and Pisa districts. Small fermentation tanks and an underground barrel cellar allow precise control over ageing and blending for each vintage. This dedication to place-specific expression recently earned the venue a Cuisine Good Food Guide Destination recognition for 2026. The accolade highlights how historic foundations and modern viticulture converge to deliver refined regional vintages.
Recognition
Ambience
Location
Facebook
Instagram