The Shed at Cloudy Bay is an iconic cellar door destination and this season pays homage to newly released vintages that highlight the winery’s world class reputation.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate new vintages at our Northburn location near Cromwell  just in time for summer,” says Cloudy Bay customer experience manager Meg Soper. 

“Our Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is released every year on October 1 so we have been sharing the delicious 2021 vintage with our guests since then. This vintage is extra special, we’ve done a lot of testing  and found it’s the most aromatic Sauvignon Blanc Cloudy Bay has ever made in 36 vintages.”

“We have also just released the 2018 Te Wahi, which is our boutique Central Otago Pinot Noir. It is very special being distinctively from this region and guests relish tasting it at The Shed. In addition the 2019 Chardonnay and the 2019 Marlborough Pinot Noir releases are now available.”

Wine tastings over summer are now seated and hosted by the Cloudy Bay team with a variety of curated options to choose from.

“The Cloudy Bay Experience Tasting incorporates a real taste of Cloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling wine, the Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and finishes with the Te Wahi Pinot Noir – all from our current releases,” says Meg. “Vertical tastings are a wonderful opportunity to compare the same wine from different years and our Cloudy Bay Indulge Tasting is very special where guests taste five different wines including back vintages.” 

“ Private wine experiences are available in our magnificent lake view room where one of our senior staff members will personally taste through the wines with clients and always bring out some extra special back vintages that are normally very rare.”

Dining options at The Shed underline Central Otago local produce.

“Excitingly we’re extending our food offering year-round rather than having a pop up over summer,” says Meg. “This is relaxed outdoor dining with a small and delicious menu focused on local artisan ingredients to match our wines. The dishes have been created by new head chef Harry Bonning-Snook who is hugely passionate for wine and his food and wine matches are not to be missed. There is also a light bites menu to be enjoyed while relaxing outside on the beanbags.”

Vineyard tours for groups of up to four people are available and Meg says it is an excellent way to go behind the scenes of the viticultural operation.

“These are hosted by our very talented vineyard manager Derek Beirnes starting at Northburn where we are in the first year of organic conversion so there is a lot to discover. Then we jump in the Cloudy Bay vehicle and head to Calvert, our certified organic vineyard on Felton Road in Bannockburn. The tour generally goes for 90 minutes and is $250 a head including a splash of wine to finish.”

Meg says summer is a wonderful time to experience The Shed.

“ It’s hard not to love the incredible Northburn setting overlooking the pond to Lake Dunstan. The Pelorus Sparkling Rose is a favourite summer wine here which I highly recommend enjoying al fresco in the sunshine with family and friends.”

“We’re a small team dedicated to delivering an outstanding cellar door experience to all guests, connecting them to Cloudy Bay through our stories and wines. We encourage people to make a booking and take the time to relax and immerse themselves in our beautiful environment. Advance bookings are required for all our wine experiences including private tastings and vineyard tours and can be made by phoning the cellar door or via email. This ensures our guests experience Te Wahi – which translates to – the place, the best way they can.”