New Zealand Wine, Wineries & Vineyards
If you want to sample the very best New Zealand wines, then we suggest that you visit some of the regions and wineries responsible for the award-winning wines in the list below. If you can't get to the cellar door, most of these wines are available to buy online. Unfortunately, whilst we can't vouch for the taste of each wine (although we'd love to), each wine won a trophy at the 2011 New Zealand International Wine Show, so has the approval of the experts.
- Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2010
- Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2010
- Maui Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011
- Roaring Meg Central Otago Pinot Gris 2011
- Coopers Creek Gisborne Viognier 2010
- Kaimira Estate Iti Selection Brightwater Riesling 2011
- Distant Land Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2010
- Forrest Estate Botrytised Marlborough Riesling 2009
- Olssens Slapjack Creek Central Otago Pinot Noir 2009
- Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Montepulciano 2010
- Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay 2009
New Zealand's Major Wine Growing Areas
Whilst some wine growing regions have been established since 1850, many wineries are relatively new. Each region and winery offers a distinctive tasting experience with each wine distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period in New Zealand - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.
North Island
- Northland – Chardonnay, Full-Bodied Reds, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah
- Auckland - Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
- Waikato – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc
- Bay of Plenty - Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Sauvignon Blanc
- Gisborne – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
- Hawke's Bay - Chardonnay, Full-Bodied Reds, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon Blends, Syrah
- Wellington - Aromatics, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
South Island
- Nelson – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
- Marlborough – Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Syrah
- Canterbury – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
- Waipara Valley – Aromatics, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
- Central Otago – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling
For more information visit the New Zealand Wine website.
New Zealand Wine Tours
If we've whet your whistle and you'd like to explore New Zealand's wineries, take a look at some of the wine tours available. You can choose from self-guided or guided small group tours led by a local wine expert. Transport, dining and accommodation is often included with the tour.