Akitu: Where Pinot Noir Finds Its Edge
High in the Upper Clutha Basin, just outside of Wanaka, Akitu sits quietly on the edge of possibility.
At 380 metres above sea level, with 38,000 Pinot Noir vines rooted into ancient glacial soil, it’s a place where the pursuit of great wine meets the edge of what’s possible. Owners Andrew and Scott, alongside lead viticulturist Leah, have created something rare: a vineyard that doesn’t just grow Pinot Noir, but challenges it to become extraordinary.
Pinot is famously fickle. Thin-skinned and sensitive to its environment, it’s earned its reputation as "the heartbreaker grape." But at Akitu, this grape is coaxed into greatness with patience, precision, and relentless care. The cool climate demands attention at every turn, and it’s the vineyard’s quiet detail — from its layout to its elegantly restrained branding — that sets it apart. Each bottle is made to be savoured, each sip a reminder of the place it comes from.
Our Minaret Station team, including our Executive Chef Connor and our Guest Services team, had the privilege of visiting Akitu this winter, greeted with warmth and honest storytelling. We split into groups — one riding out with Leah, the other with Andrew — navigating the vineyard by ute as tales of Akitu’s beginnings unfolded. They spoke candidly about the realities of growing Pinot Noir, where the terrain is tough and the payoff hard-earned. But it’s in this hardship that character is born.
Stepping into the rows on foot, Leah walked us through the rhythm of pruning — the most critical job of the year. With secateurs in hand, she demonstrated the nuances of cane versus spur pruning, explaining how each decision affects the vine’s health, yield, and longevity. Her knowledge was matched only by her passion. After returning last year, she took the lead this season, guiding her team with conviction and care.
Later, we gathered inside their home perched above the vineyard. Moving from the crisp air outdoors into the warmth within, we sat down together to be taken on the journey of the Akitu wines we so proudly share with you at Minaret Station. Each of us shared notes — red fruit, fine tannins, a flicker of wild herb, a sense of structure shaped by the very land we had just walked. A day of hands-on learning, one that left us with muddy boots, full glasses, and a deeper appreciation for what makes this place so special.
Akitu’s wines are elegant, expressive, and quietly confident. They carry with them the story of the land, the people, and the challenges overcome to create them. A selection of Akitu’s Pinot Noirs is available as part of our curated cellar. Let us share the story, while you experience the taste of Wanaka — a place, a wine, and a moment worth savouring. Much like Minaret Station, Akitu is a family-run operation driven by craft, connection and care. Their approach mirrors our own: bespoke, considered, and deeply rooted in the land they call home.
