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Please note new orders will be shipped after Easter from Tuesday 2 April. Find out more here Please note new orders will be shipped after Easter from Tuesday 2 April. Find out more here

Meet Margot Best
Assistant Winemaker at Mt Difficulty

Margot Best has been an important member of the Mt Difficulty winemaking team for three years and her new role as Assistant Winemaker reflects her knowledge, hard work and commitment to the continued evolution of the winery. With several vintages under her belt in New Zealand and around the world, including three years based in France, Margot is looking forward to her next chapter with Mt Difficulty.

“I’m very proud to be part of the winemaking team at Mt Difficulty. Over my time here, I have developed so much appreciation for the vineyards, the wines and the people that have built the brand that it is. Mt Difficulty has been shaped by an incredible group of people and I feel privileged to be a part of its evolution.” – Margot Best, Assistant Winemaker.

Being a winemaker is.. a continual journey of learning. Each vintage has something new to teach us. It’s an evolving marriage of science and creativity, history and innovation.

What is it about Central Otago, and Bannockburn specifically that creates great Pinot Noir?
Our surroundings are so unique. Central Otago has such an interesting geographical and geological history. From the gold mine sluicing in Bannockburn in the late 1800’s that define a lot of the soils here, to the outcrops of schist in many of the vineyards, to the Pisa Ranges that are often snow-capped in Summer, there are many combinations of factors that contribute to Central Otago’s ability to grow great cool-climate Pinot Noir. For me, the essence of Central Otago Pinot Noir is the intense concentration of fruit paired with an amazing purity.

What are you most looking forward to heading into the warmer seasons?
Central Otago Stone fruit.Our garden coming to life.Challenging my mountain biking skills in and around the region.Camping trips with friends, dogs and delicious wine and food. The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…. ‘What we may define as a failure, is just feedback’. Challenges and set-backs are part of life! Looking at them as feedback has helped me to move forward positively and also look at what lesson the setback is teaching me.

Shop Mt Difficulty Wines 

Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2023

MT DIFFICULTY
Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2023
6 Bottles

$138
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2023

MT DIFFICULTY
Bannockburn Pinot Gris 2023
6 Bottles

$138
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Target Riesling 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Target Riesling 2023

MT DIFFICULTY
Bannockburn Target
Riesling 2023
6 Bottles

$138
MT DIFFICULTY Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2023
MT DIFFICULTY Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2023
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2023

MT DIFFICULTY
Bannockburn Dry Riesling 2023
6 Bottles

$138