Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen

restaurant — Lake Hayes · Lake Hayes

About Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen

Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen is a premium Central Otago winery and restaurant, situated in the world's southernmost winemaking region. The business operates a working winery producing award-winning wines from established vineyards in Pisa and Bannockburn, with an onsite restaurant and artisan kitchen that pairs cuisine with the wines they craft.

The winery's approach centres on creating "coveted interludes" from Central Otago—wines that serve as windows and impressions of each year in the region's distinctive terroir. The vineyard portfolio includes three primary vineyard sites: Kolo, Eden, and Vale, each producing unique expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc that capture the freshness, vibrancy, and purity of Central Otago.

The venue operates as a full hospitality destination with multiple experiences: a cellar door for wine tasting and direct purchases, a wine club for members seeking curated selections, an artisan restaurant for dining, and event spaces for private celebrations. The business also maintains an online wine shop serving both domestic New Zealand and international customers, alongside a curated merchandise collection featuring locally made products crafted in New Zealand.

Mora Wines: Award-Winning Central Otago Winery & Artisan Kitchen

Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen sits at the heart of Central Otago, New Zealand's southernmost winemaking region. The business combines a working winery producing internationally acclaimed wines with an onsite artisan restaurant and cellar door, creating a complete hospitality destination where wine and cuisine merge.

The Winery & Vineyard Portfolio

Mora operates three primary vineyard sites—Kolo, Eden, and Vale—each established in Central Otago's premium growing areas of Pisa and Bannockburn. The winery's philosophy centres on creating wines that serve as "windows and impressions" of each vintage year, capturing the distinctive character of this world-class wine region. The vineyard sites produce the full range of Central Otago classics: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Rosé, each reflecting the purity and vibrancy the region is known for.

Award-Winning Expressions

The winery's commitment to excellence is reflected in consistent recognition from international wine judges and competitions. The flagship single-site Pinot Noirs—Kolo (94 points, Stephen Wong MW) and Vale (94 points, Stephen Wong MW)—showcase the depth and complexity Central Otago's terroir can achieve. The Eden Chardonnay reaches 95 points, establishing Mora among the region's top white wine producers.

The sparkling program is equally distinguished, with the Vintage Brut 2017 receiving Double Gold at the Global Fine Wine Challenge 2025, and the Brut NV earning Gold/95 points at the NZ International Wine Show 2025. For everyday enjoyment, the RUA Pinot Noir—named after the first two varieties planted in Mora's original vineyard—has accumulated 5 Trophies and 15 Gold Medals, making it the winery's most celebrated and accessible expression.

The Venue Experience

Beyond production, Mora operates as a full hospitality venue. The cellar door welcomes visitors for wine tasting and direct purchases, offering the chance to experience wines in their regional context. The artisan kitchen combines with the wine list to create a dining experience centred on wine and food pairing. For those committed to the brand, the Wine Club provides member-exclusive selections, early access to limited releases, and case specials throughout the year.

Reach & Community

Mora maintains an online wine shop serving both New Zealand and international customers, making their Central Otago expressions accessible globally. The venue also hosts private events and celebrations, leveraging its vineyard setting and hospitality infrastructure for memorable occasions. A curated merchandise collection—featuring locally made items such as ceramics, textiles, and regional products—reinforces Mora's commitment to New Zealand craft and community.

Signature items

  • Award-Winning Pinot Noirs
  • Vintage Brut 2017
  • RUA Pinot Noir
  • Eden Chardonnay
  • Cellar Door Experience
  • Wine Club Membership

Menu

Sparkling

  • Vintage Brut 2017 — Double Gold, Global Fine Wine Challenge 2025
  • Brut NV — Gold/95 points, NZ International Wine Show 2025
  • Rosé Brut NV — 5 stars, Michael Cooper

RUA Collection

  • RUA Pinot Noir 2024 — 5 Trophies and 15 Gold Medals, daily celebration wine
  • RUA Rosé 2025 — Everyday celebration wine
  • RUA Pinot Gris 2024 — 91 points, Silver Medal - New World Wine Awards 2025
  • RUA Chardonnay 2025 — RUA everyday collection

Single Site Series

  • Kolo Pinot Noir 2022 — 94 points, The Real Review, Stephen Wong MW
  • Vale Pinot Noir 2024 — 94 points, The Real Review, Stephen Wong MW
  • Eden Chardonnay 2023 — 95 points, The Real Review, Stephen Wong MW
  • Eden Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — From the coveted Eden vineyard

Central Otago Series

  • Mora Pinot Noir 2022 — 95 points, Bob Campbell MW
  • Mora Pinot Rosé 2024 — Excellent, Mark Henderson Otago Daily Times
  • Mora Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — 90 points, Stephen Wong MW
  • Mora Chardonnay 2025 — Central Otago expression
  • Mora Pinot Gris 2025 — From Central Otago vineyards
  • Mora Dry Riesling 2024 — Dry expression from Central Otago
  • Mora Laeto Pinot Noir 2025 — Contemporary release

Frequently asked questions

Where are Mora's vineyards located?
Mora operates three primary vineyard sites—Kolo, Eden, and Vale—in Central Otago, New Zealand's southernmost wine region, based in Pisa and Bannockburn.
What wines does Mora produce?
Mora produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Dry Riesling, Rosé, and sparkling wines across Single Site, Central Otago, RUA, and premium ranges.
Can I visit the cellar door?
Yes. Mora operates a cellar door for wine tasting and direct purchases. Contact 021 023 72489 (Cellar Door) or visit the winery.
Does Mora have a restaurant?
Yes. Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen features an onsite restaurant pairing wines with artisan cuisine. For dining reservations, call 03 442 1090.
What is the RUA Pinot Noir?
RUA Pinot Noir is Mora's celebration wine—named after the first two varieties planted in the original vineyard. It has won 5 Trophies and 15 Gold Medals.
Can I order wines online?
Yes. Mora offers online wine shopping for NZ customers at mora.co.nz and international orders via Wine Collective Direct.
Does Mora offer a wine club?
Yes. Mora's Wine Club provides member-exclusive selections, early access to limited releases, and seasonal case specials.

Tips

  • {"body":"Mora's artisan kitchen pairs wines with cuisine—reserve via phone (03 442 1090) for the full dining experience.","title":"Book the restaurant ahead"}
  • {"body":"Experience wines in their regional context. Call 021 023 72489 to arrange cellar door visits and tastings.","title":"Visit the cellar door"}
  • {"body":"Members get exclusive releases and case specials—perfect for staying connected to Mora's latest vintages.","title":"Join the Wine Club"}
  • {"body":"Can't visit? Shop wines online at mora.co.nz for NZ delivery or via Wine Collective Direct internationally.","title":"Order online for delivery"}
  • {"body":"Kolo, Eden, and Vale showcase three distinct vineyard expressions—each tells a different story of Central Otago terroir.","title":"Explore the single-site wines"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Winery and restaurant venue; wine tasting and dining available","payments":"Phone 03 442 1090 (restaurant) or 021 023 72489 (cellar door); online ordering available at mora.co.nz"}