Setting
Drive up the hill behind the Mt Difficulty winery to the tasting room and restaurant. On a sunny day, linger on the terrace enjoying the wine and food and views up the valley almost to the Lindis. Mt Difficulty began in the early 1990s when the owners of five newly planted vineyards in Bannockburn agreed to produce wines under one label. The first wines appeared in 1998 and now Mt Difficulty is one of the largest producers in Central, with some of the oldest vineyards in Bannockburn.

Things To Know
The estate andsingle-vineyard wines come from the Bannockburn vineyards; the Growers Series is from vineyards in Lowburn; while the sharply priced Roaring Meg series wines, from the Cromwell Basin, are easy drinking. Wines include riesling, pinot gris, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, several pinot noirs, and some sweeter, late-harvest wines. Mt Difficulty is a good place to explore and compare the characteristics of different vineyards.

Our Picks
Don’t miss the chenin blanc if there is any – it sells out fast.Explore the Mt Difficulty pinot noirs and enjoy a tasting of three sweet wines – two rieslings and a pinot gris.

Mt Difficulty Winery Restaurant
The restaurant spills onto the sunny terrace in good weather. Platters are popular or choose a main course and dessert.
Hours: 7 days lunch 12pm-3.30pm, platters 3.30pm-4pm (bookings essential)