Nockies Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door

About Nockies Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door

Nockie's Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door is an enchanting destination nestled in Lake Hayes, Queenstown, where fine art and fine wine converge. Founded on the philosophy that 'art meets wine', the estate collaborates with world-renowned winemakers and celebrated artists to produce expressive vintages, each distinguished by an original artwork on its label.

Surrounded by the natural splendor of Central Otago, the cellar door showcases single-vineyard wines alongside exceptional selections crafted across notable wine regions. Guests can immerse themselves in tastings that celebrate both viticultural mastery and creative expression, offering a sophisticated sensory journey in a picturesque Otago setting.

Where Art Meets Wine: The Distinctive Vision of Nockie's Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door

Nestled near the shores of Lake Hayes against the dramatic Central Otago backdrop, Nockie's Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door represents a thoughtful departure from traditional cellar doors. Here, the creative worlds of the artist and the artisan winemaker are treated as one and the same. Just as a painter works with pigment or a composer with melody, the winemakers behind Nockie's Palette work with an expansive spectrum of aromas, hues, and flavour profiles to craft wines of true distinction.

The Philosophy of the Palette

The central vision of Nockie's Palette is simple yet profound: the greatest value in any creation is brought by the artisan. To bring this vision to life, the winery collaborates with renowned winemaking masters, including John Duval, Tim Turvey, and PJ Charteris. By pairing top-tier winemakers with specific grape varieties and prime terroirs, each bottle becomes an intentional work of craftsmanship.

This philosophy extends directly onto the canvas of each bottle. Through an association with the NockArt Foundation, which sponsors regional artist residencies, every label features original fine art. Wine lovers can admire works by celebrated artists such as Reg Mombassa on the Georgetown Pinot Noir, Euan Macleod and Michael Nock on the Shiraz, and John Peart on the Pinot Rosé. The result is a multisensory experience that begins with the eyes before a drop ever touches the glass.

Terroir and Central Otago Expressions

At the core of the portfolio are carefully managed vineyard plots that allow the natural characteristics of the land to shine. In Central Otago, the Georgetown Vineyard in Cromwell sits on Molyneux sandy and river gravels, producing exceptional, concentrated Pinot Noir fruit from vines planted in 2002. Further along, the Willowbell Vineyard in Queensberry thrives on dark, friable soils over deep gravels, cultivating expressive parcels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Beyond single-vineyard bottlings, the cellar door showcases a diverse portfolio that includes GSM, Pinot Gris, Shiraz, and lively sparkling Rosé Brut. Guests visiting the cellar door can taste their way through this expansive landscape, discovering how soil, climate, and creative human input shape each vintage.

The Cellar Door Experience

A visit to the Lake Hayes cellar door offers far more than a standard tasting flight. Visitors are invited to slow down, explore the connection between visual art and viticulture, and discover the stories behind the residency artists and master winemakers. In addition to cellar tastings, the estate hosts engaging experiences such as guided art sessions, wine-pairing dining, and creative retreats, establishing Nockie's Palette as one of the most distinctive stops in the Queenstown wine region.

Signature items

• Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir
• Pinot Rosé
• Artisan Shiraz
• Willowbell Chardonnay
• Rosé Brut

Menu

Wine Varieties

• Chardonnay — Elegant white wine crafted as part of the winery's artisan palette.
• GSM — Classic blend offering rich and harmonious Rhône-style notes.
• Pinot Gris — Crisp and aromatic white wine reflecting regional terroir.
• Pinot Noir — Flagship Central Otago variety, featuring single-vineyard fruit from Georgetown and Willowbell.
• Rosé — Fresh and expressive pink vintage showcasing original artist label work.
• Rosé Brut — Sparkling rosé crafted for celebrations and vibrant tasting experiences.
• Shiraz — Bold and complex red wine complemented by bespoke fine artwork on the bottle.

Experiences & Art

• Cellar Door Tasting — Guided tasting flight exploring the range of single-vineyard and varietal wines.
• Wine & Paint Retreat — Immersive creative session blending wine appreciation with artistic expression.
• Guided Art Session — Hands-on workshop exploring artistic techniques in an inspiring vineyard setting.

Vineyard Expressions

• Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir — Single-vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir from Cromwell gravel soils, adorned with artwork by Reg Mombassa.
• Willowbell Vineyard Selection — Queensberry single-vineyard wines highlighting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Wine Club Memberships

• Van Gogh Tier — Six bottles delivered twice a year with bottle savings and loyalty perks.
• Monet Tier — Twelve bottles delivered twice a year featuring increased savings and loyalty rewards.
• Matisse Tier — Twelve bottles delivered four times a year with premier savings and complimentary annual bottles.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nockie's Palette & Stoneridge Cellar Door located?

The cellar door is situated at 756 Lake Hayes-Arrow Junction Highway RD, 1, Lake Hayes, Queenstown.

What is the concept behind Nockie's Palette?

Nockie's Palette operates on the concept of 'art meets wine', pairing master winemakers with exceptional vineyard sites and featuring original artwork by prominent artists on every label.

Which grape varieties does Nockie's Palette produce?

The wine palette currently includes Chardonnay, GSM, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Rosé Brut, and Shiraz.

Does Nockie's Palette offer a wine club?

Yes, the winery features three club tiers (Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse) offering regular shipments, cellar door tasting benefits, member discounts, and loyalty perks.

Are there creative activities available at the cellar door?

Yes, the estate hosts events including Wine & Paint Retreats, Guided Art Sessions, music concerts, and art openings.

Where do the vineyard grapes come from?

The single-vineyard wines are sourced from dedicated Central Otago sites, including the Georgetown Vineyard in Cromwell and the Willowbell Vineyard in Queensberry.

Tips

• {"body":"Take time to examine each bottle; the labels showcase original fine artworks created by artists associated with the NockArt Foundation.","title":"Admire the Label Art"}
• {"body":"Compare wines sourced from distinct Central Otago terroirs, such as the Cromwell and Queensberry vineyard sites.","title":"Explore Single-Vineyard Expressions"}
• {"body":"Wine club members receive complimentary cellar door tastings for themselves and up to three guests.","title":"Consider Club Membership for Tastings"}