A Connection to the Land
At Centralis, we take pride in our rich origin story, inspired by the stunning landscapes of Central Otago.
New Zealand's most continental wine-growing region, Central Otago is framed by towering mountains and glacial lakes. Locals simply call it “Central,” a fitting homage to its heartland status. Our name, Centralis, is derived from Latin, meaning central.
The map on our front label includes the sub regions where Centralis sources its grapes, demonstrating the diversity of the Central Otago grape growing region.
Each bottle tells a story, inviting you to share in the vibrant tapestry of our journey.
Our Winemaker
Sarah Burton: Owner, Grape Finder, and Winemaker of Centralis Wines
Sarah’s journey to creating Centralis Wines stems from a lifetime of passion, exploration, and mastery of the art of winemaking. With a BSc from Otago University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University, Sarah’s pursuit of knowledge took her across the globe to some of the world's most renowned wine regions.
Her work in the USA, France, Italy, Portugal, and Australia — including prestigious vineyards such as Oregon’s Amity Vineyards, Tuscany’s Caiarossa, and the Douro Valley’s Quinta do Portal — provided her with invaluable experience in the cultivation and crafting of fine wines.
From 2010 to 2014, Sarah honed her skills as a winemaker at the iconic Cloudy Bay in Marlborough, New Zealand. In 2014, she returned to Central Otago, drawn back by family and the region's unique terroir. She became the winemaker at Brennan Wines in the Gibbston Valley, and by 2018, Sarah took on the role of winemaker for Calvert Vineyards in Bannockburn, crafting highly acclaimed Pinot Noir from their organically certified vineyard.
The creation of Centralis Wines
Centralis, launched with its first release from the 2023 vintage, is Sarah’s vision brought to life — reflecting her deep connection to the land and her global winemaking experiences. Centralis is an opportunity for Sarah to highlight carefully selected vineyard sites across Central Otago, collaborating with industry legends like viticulturalist Timbo Deaker to source the best fruit from premium vineyards. The first vintage was sourced entirely from the 1.4-hectare Georgetown Vineyard in the Cromwell Basin, a high-density site with 7,131 vines per hectare, certified by Sustainable Winegrowers NZ.
A Simple and Honest Philosophy
At the heart of Centralis is a straightforward philosophy: to source exceptional grapes from diverse sub-regions in Central Otago, find joy in the process of winemaking, and offer high-quality wines at an accessible price point.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value at Centralis Wines. From the outset, Sarah has chosen eco-friendly practices, such as using lightweight 417g bottles—the lightest available Pinot Noir bottles in New Zealand at the time of bottling. Additionally, all wine is packaged in environmentally friendly kraft boxes, striking a balance between simplicity and sustainability.
In 2024, Sarah extended her commitment to sustainability by sourcing fruit from a biodynamically certified vineyard in the Lowburn sub-region, ensuring that every step of her winemaking process aligns with her vision of environmental stewardship.
