Top 10 Wine Regions in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the world’s most unique wine countries. Vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate, long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes. The results are award-winning wines which are globally renowned. How lucky are we to be able to visit the cellar doors of wine producers around the country and sample their fine product. Find out where to enjoy wine tasting in stunning locations; perfect for a girls weekend, corporate events, fun with friends or a weekend break. Join a wine tour and visit top wineries without the hassle of driving. Or self-drive the wine trails in each region.
North Island Wine Regions
Northland - The first grape vines in the country were planted in the Bay of Islands by the missionary, Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1819. With its warm climate, vast coastline of sweeping beaches and beautiful bays, this “Mediterranean of the South Pacific” produces tropical Chardonnays, popular Pinot Gris and vibrant Viogniers are leading the white wine growth. Red wines produced include spicy Syrahs, stylish Cabernet and Merlot blends, peppery Pinotages and complex Chambourcin. Northland also boasts production of a wide range of tropical fruits, guavas, loquats, bananas, passionfruit, pineapples, figs, mandarins, kiwifruit, fresh vegetables and New Zealand’s largest avocado plantations.
Auckland - Spread across a large, geographically diverse area, the Auckland wine region includes three distinctive subregions, the island of Waiheke, historic West Auckland and stretches north to the coastal territory of Matakana. Home to powerful, intense reds in the north and on Waiheke Island plus world class Chardonnay and fine aromatics, the modern Auckland wine industry continues to shine.
Hawke’s Bay - New Zealand’s second largest wine region, the sunny Hawke’s Bay has been an abundant source of fine wine since 1851. A fairly large and diverse region capable of producing a wide range of varieties to a very high standard, Hawke’s Bay is best known for its Red Blends and Chardonnay but aromatic whites are consistently good and Syrah is incredibly impressive. Hawke’s Bay is home to an outstanding wine tourism culture and offers a wide variety of cellar door experiences as well as regular food and wine festivals.
Gisborne - The mix of high sunshine, lush landscapes, fascinating history and the exciting range of wine styles makes Gisborne a captivating wine destination. Gisborne is home to a mix of large producers, boutique wineries, and entrepreneurial growers, who are continuously exploring new varieties and vineyard sites. A dynamic food and wine scene completes the picture. Chardonnay is the dominant variety of this region though a very wide range of red and white varieties are successfully well-known and new varieties are always trialled.
Wairarapa – Around an hours drive from Wellington, this scenic region offers a range of wine tourism activities, exceptional accommodation, and fabulous dining options. A range of wine styles and varieties are on offer with outstanding Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Aromatics as well as stylish Chardonnay, Syrah and dessert wines.
South Island Wine Regions
Marlborough - Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine map with its superb Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. Now New Zealand’s largest wine region this dry, sunny district is home to more than 500 growers and produces more than three-quarters of all New Zealand wine. Marlborough's vast flat areas are also ideal for a gentle gourmet cycle tour. From the small township of Renwick, there are 30 great wineries within a 24 kilometre circuit.
Central Otago - Central Otago captivates visitors with a wide range of excellent cellar door facilities and wine-tourism activities. Spiraling snow-capped mountains and glistening rivers nestled deep within ravines (gold rush territory in the 1800s) draw visitors from far and wide. Pinot Noir thrives in the Central Otago, with a variety of stunning expressions being crafted in the numerous sub-regions. The region is also renowned for producing excellent aromatics, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
North Canterbury - This wine region spans nearly 200km of the South Island’s eastern coastline, with the magnificent Alps to the west and the sweeping Pacific Ocean to the east. Boutique manufacturers create exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and fine aromatic wines.
Nelson – This picturesque boutique wine region produces remarkable Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics, as well as an impressive mix of developing varieties. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, it enjoys a unique mesoclimate that is perfect for aromatic grape varieties. Nelson has a vibrant art and café culture, with many wineries offering a food, art and wine experience at their cellar door.
Waitaki Valley - With vines first planted in 2001, this is a fairly new wine region. New Zealand's newest and most exciting wine growing region, the Waitaki Valley wine region notable producing varieties are Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Overflowing with natural beauty from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, this region natural geological marvels and iconic photo opportunities.
