Wines from Central Otogo legend Rudi Bauer

Quartz Reef: Pioneer of Central Otago

We delve into the history of a very special winery in Central Otago, the southernmost wine region in the world! This is Quartz Reef Estate, founded in 1996 by an Austrian with a clear vision: Rudi Bauer. This small, exquisite operation is known for wines of exceptional flavour and intensity. If you love Pinot Noir or a racy, intense quality sparkling wine, you've come to the right place – because Rudi Bauer masters the French Méthode Traditionnelle like hardly anyone else.
 

"I doubt you will find a better non-vintage New Zealand sparkler." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
 

"The sparkling Méthode would be amongst the best in New Zealand, and certainly offers outstanding value as well as the quality of a great champagne (if not the pricetag)." - David Walker Bell, WineFolio
 

“has been making beautiful Pinot Noirs, aromatic white wines, and unquestionably New Zealand’s best sparkling wines for decades under the visionary direction of winemaker Rudi Bauer.” – Alder Yarrow, vinography, October 4 2025
 

The Quartz Reef Vineyard: A Treasure Underfoot

The name "Quartz Reef" is no coincidence, by the way! Beneath the vineyard in Bendigo lies New Zealand's largest quartz deposit. And it's no secret: you can practically taste how this special soil gives the wines their soul.

On 30 hectares of vineyards, mainly Pinot Noir grows here, but also Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. And what makes the whole thing even more fascinating: Rudi Bauer applies the teachings of Biodynamics according to Rudolf Steiner in viticulture. He works in harmony with nature to get the best out of the terroir.

Rudi Bauer: The Winemaker Who Makes the Impossible Possible

Rudi Bauer is a man you simply have to like. You could call him a lovable eccentric who welcomes you to his winery in a charmingly rough and kind way, with an unmistakable Austrian accent. He himself describes his role with charming modesty: "I would describe myself as a vine shepherd and barrel caretaker. Because it is not me who makes the wine, but the grape, the yeast, the land, the variety, and so on."

After studying viticulture in Europe, Rudi was drawn to New Zealand in 1986. He gained experience at top wineries, including Central Otago pioneer Rippon, and also refined his skills in Burgundy and Oregon.

When he founded his own winery, Quartz Reef, in 1996, he already had a clear vision. Today, he is considered one of the best winemakers in the Southern Hemisphere. He has been awarded "New Zealand Winemaker of the Year" twice and was even nominated as "Winemaker of the Year" by "Der Feinschmecker" in 2010. His awards speak for themselves!

The Wines of Quartz Reef: A Symphony of Aromas

Rudi Bauer's pioneering spirit is also reflected in his wines. He was actually the first winemaker in New Zealand to create a sparkling wine! To do this, he learned the craft from the best in Champagne, including Clotilde Chauvet (Marc Chauvet Champagne) and Jaques Peters (Veuve Clicquot).

Rudi Bauer maintains a very successful collaboration with Clotilde Chauvet at Quartz Reef to this day. No wonder sparkling wine now accounts for about three-quarters of his total production!

Rudi Bauer has a clear goal: he wants to create a "symphony of aromas" with his wines that "attract attention and entertain, so that you forget everything around you". That's a wonderful idea, isn't it?