Mt Difficulty: The Miner's Legacy

Named after a nearby peak that 1860s gold miners found 'difficult' to navigate, Mt Difficulty embodies Central Otago's pioneering spirit. The winery restaurant has one of the best vineyard views in New Zealand, and their range covers everything from entry-level to single-vineyard treasures.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Lunch with a View Adventure · Price: moderate

   The restaurant terrace overlooks Bannockburn and the mountains.

   Book a table at the restaurant (reservations recommended). Sit on the terrace for views over the vineyards to the Pisa Range. The menu focuses on local produce - pair with their wines by the glass.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Compare Bannockburn Sub-Region Wines Wine · Price: low

   Mt Difficulty sources from multiple Bannockburn sites.

   In the tasting room (~$10-20), request wines from different Bannockburn blocks. Compare Target Gully (cooler) vs Long Gully (warmer). Same sub-region, dramatically different expressions.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Learn the Gold Mining History History · Free · Optional

   The name comes from 1860s gold rush history.

   Ask staff about the gold mining history. Bannockburn was a major gold town in the 1860s - the miners found the mountain behind the winery 'difficult' to prospect. The arid landscape is a result of goldfield water diversions.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• The "Roaring Meg" Pinot is named after a local gold-rush era character

• Bannockburn is the warmest sub-region in Central Otago - wines are riper and more approachable

• The miners' cottages in nearby Bannockburn village are heritage-listed

• Their Chardonnay is underrated - try it alongside the Pinot