Welcome to Quartz Reef e-cellar door

A Bendigo Story, Built Over Time

Since founding Quartz Reef in 1996, Rudi has believed in one thing above all else: great wine begins in the vineyard. From biodynamic farming and careful hand harvesting to patient winemaking and long ageing on lees, every decision has always been about expressing the unique character of Bendigo, Central Otago.

Quartz Reef farm holistically, with full organic & biodynamic certification. Our aim is to craft engaging wines that tell a story, that capture the extraordinary beauty & energy of our landscape and express this with purity & precision in your glass.

In the heart of Central Otago, Quartz Reef specialises in creating exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Methode Traditionnelle

Sitting in prime location as the pioneer of Bendigo, our sun-drenched Quartz Reef Estate vineyard is BioGro certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic. Our grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with a respectful and non-interventive philosophy, combined with the vision of Rudi Bauer to express our sense of place.

We produce our Estate Grown Methode Traditionnelle Non-Vintage and Vintage, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. All Quartz Reef wines benefit greatly from Rudi Bauer’s Austrian heritage exploring the many dimensions of the varieties.

Cellar Door
Cellar Club
Wine Reviews and Awards

Reviews

Rudi Bauer crowned New Zealand Vigneron of the Year 2026

by The Real Review

This recognition is a huge moment not only for our team at Quartz Reef Wines, but also for Central Otago and the Bendigo region we proudly call home.

The Vigneron of the Year award recognises an outstanding contribution to New Zealand viticulture and winemaking. Being named the winner places Rudi among the most respected winegrowers in the country and celebrates decades of dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainable winegrowing.

For us, this award reflects the incredible people behind Quartz Reef, our vineyard team, cellar crew, long-time supporters, customers, restaurant partners, and everyone who has shared a bottle with us over the years.

View the full awards announcement here:
The Real Review – Top Wineries of New Zealand 2026 Awards

    Quartz Reef Bendigo       Pinot Noir 2023 

Ripe red berry fruits, spice, dried herbs, fresh dried cherry, red plum, and bracken. Notes of violet, black tea, blackberry, and dark chocolate. Polished tannins and a backbone of acidity to frame the fruit alongside mineral and savoury qualities showcasing depth. Fine, silky tannins. Immediately enjoyable with long-term cellaring potential.

⭐ 95 pts James Suckling

“Elegant, concentrated Bendigo fruit with fine tannins and length.” *(Full review available at JamesSuckling.com, subscription required)*

⭐ 94+ pts The Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin
“Fine chalky tannins with energy and drive.”
*(Full review available at WineAdvocate.com, subscription required)*

⭐ 5★ Michael Cooper
Recognised for excellence in Central Otago Pinot Noir.

⭐ The Real Review Top Wineries of NZ 2026
Quartz Reef ranked #5 New Zealand’s leading producers.

Bendigo Single Ferment 'Velvet' Pinot Noir 2021

Experience a plush and intense Pinot Noir with lifted dark plum and cherry fruit, hints of orange blossom, spicy anise, and rich earthy undertones. True to its name, “Velvet” delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and exceptional balance.

⭐ 97 pts Decanter, Emma Jenkins (Dec 2025)

True to its name, this is deliciously plush and intense, with lifted dark plum and cherry fruit, orange blossom, spicy anise and a rich earthiness.  *(View full article on Decanter, subscriber access)*

⭐ 94 pts The Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin (Dec 2023)
“Savoury notes with pink peppercorns and star anise, blood orange and raspberry leaf tea. Fine chalky tannins and elegant length. Wonderful wine. Unfined and unfiltered.” *(Full review available at WineAdvocate.com, subscription required)*

⭐ Viva Top 50 Wines of NZ 2025
Single Ferment “Velvet” featured among the country’s best.

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