QUICK WINERY FACTS
- Owners: Rob Hay
- Grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc.
- Size: 50 Acres
- Date First Planted: 1987
- Wine Labels: Chard Farm
- Winemaker: John Wallace & Rob Hay
- Viticulturist: John Wallace
CHARD FARM
If there is one vineyard which typifies the “vineyards on the edge” description often given to Central Otago vineyards, it’s Chard Farm. Perched perilously above the Kawarau River, the excitement of just driving into the property is an activity alone!
“Chard Farm as a vineyard is a waste of bloody good merino country!”
overheard at the local Royal Oak Hotel, Arrowtown, Oct 1987
Maybe the Merino didn’t have a place to roam here any longer, but the vines Rob Hay and family planted created a very unique vineyard in this little slice of paradise. Rob originally cut his Central Otago teeth as winemaker for Alan Brady at Gibbston Valley Wines. (see our pages on Alan Brady) before purchasing the derelict farm down the road.
Chard Farm has now grown beyond its cliff constrained borders over 5 vineyards in in Gibbston Valley and Cromwell region and produces a range of single vineyard and blended wines.
