Pedaling Pinot

Hosted by the godfather of Pinot Noir in Central Otago, Alan Brady, this ultra scenic ride from Arrowtown through to the world famous Gibbston ‘Valley of the Vines’ to experience the ultimate Pinot wine tasting is not to be missed. 

Follow the Arrow River Bridges and Kawarau River trails heading to the celebrated Gibbston wine region, taking in splendid sights en route to Kinross Cellar Door and Bistro. 

At Kinross meet Alan, who, in his 80s and not ready to retire, just can’t stop making great wine!  Having founded Gibbston Valley Winery in 1983, then Mt Edward Winery, he has now been joined by another (younger!) Irishman, Brian Shaw, in Wild Irishman.  Wild Irishman now boasts six single vineyard pinots from sites in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Alexandra, bringing to fruition their catchphrase “a journey down the rivers of Kawarau and Clutha”. 

Your journey with Alan and Brian will involve tastings from some of their vineyards with a discussion of terroir, climate and the concept of ‘hands off’ winemaking.  There’ll also be time for musings and questions.  After the tasting in the Kinross Wine Garden, Alan and Brian will stay with you for a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine.

For obvious reasons there’s not too much wine to be imbibed during the day. However, with the ride ending back in the Cyclorama Festival Village in Arrowtown, there’ll be an opportunity to enjoy a post-ride relax while taking in some live music with a complimentary glass of pinot.

The Pedaling Pinot experience includes the company of your wine hosts – Alan and Brian, the tasting, lunch with a glass of wine at Kinross and another glass of wine back at the Festival Village.

Riders depart Arrowtown at 10.15am on both the Saturday and Sunday. You should be back in the Village around 3.30pm. NOTE – the Sunday ride is now SOLD OUT.

The trail is a grade 2, covering easy, undulating terrain, taking in two crossings of the Gibbston Highway. The distance covered is a 41 km round trip.

Please note this is the same trail as Night Rider.