Whatever your degree of wine knowledge there is always more to indulge…
Discovering the qualities of New Zealand wine allures all walks of wine enthusiasts to our southern shores. The new world of wine consumers acknowledge that New Zealand represents the quality, precision and complexity that is needed to produce world class wines vintage after vintage. Our winemakers recognise the importance of balance, vibrant flavours and elegance that keep us enthusiasts coming back for more again and again.
New Zealand’s Wine Regions
Hawke’s Bay- This location has been the North Island’s most important wine region for more than 100 years. It is the second largest wine producer in New Zealand, with vine plantings located over several smaller regions within the Hawke’s Bay. None however, so popular as the 800 hectare piece of dirt that has captured the international limelight, known as the Gimblett Gravels. Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Viognier all find their element here on this free draining lightly fertile old river bed. Once the home to many a farmers sheep herd, it was then earmarked for quarrying until fortitude, a little luck and grim determination turned this area into liquid gold, and New Zealand’s first designated wine growing district.
Martinborough- This region is the North Island’s most southern wine region and also the coolest. It is located a hours drive north from our capital city- Wellington, and is fast becoming a popular weekend destination. The superstar variety of this district is Pinot Noir, with many of the earlier producers in the 1980′s recognising the regions strong similarities to Burgundy. These Pinot Noirs went on to become the first in New Zealand to gain international success.
Many of the wineries are located in close proximity with a casual cellar door atmosphere and welcoming hosts. Not to be missed is the annual Martinborough Toast wine celebration, held over a weekend in November each year.
Marlborough- As New Zealand’s largest wine growing region including more than 100 wineries and over 22,000 hectares of vineyards, thanks for this status can only be commended to the variety known as Sauvignon Blanc. This varietal wine has catapulted the region to global prominence and elevated the status of New Zealand wines the world over.
The long sunshine hours together with cool nights encourages slow ripening that assists in retaining the pungent zesty characters that are the hallmark of its superstar wine, Sauvignon Blanc. These conditions are also favourable for other varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and sparkling methode traditionnelle wines.
Waipara- located just 50 minutes drive north of Christchurch city in the South Island, this region has defied the odds and built a strong reputation for its distinctive style of Riesling. Strong characters of lemon and lime matched with excellent acidity make for elegantly structured, fruit driven wines of outstanding quality. Most of the boutique wine growers produce 3-5 different styles of Riesling, from the very dry austere to the luscious dessert wines. Not to missed are the other popular varieties of this cool climate region: the Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir.
Central Otago- is the most southerly wine region in the world. At 45 degrees south it enjoys a true continental climate with a low average rainfall, hot summers followed by cold, dry winters. We also like to believe it is one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions, with it’s towering snow capped mountains and pristine glacial fed lakes, Central Otago provides the backdrop to New Zealand’s most concentrated Pinot Noir.
With the several sub regions of Gibbston Valley, Bendigo, Pisa Range and Bannockburn, each has its own subtle difference, which attracts many of out top winemakers to the region. Not to be outdone by Pinot Noir, other white varieties blossom in this cool climate region making racy yet richly flavoured Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Smaller wine growing regions
Matakana- An easy hour’s drive north of Auckland the Matakana wine region has become a favourite weekend getaway for the city dwellers. The wineries here are small and boutique style, operated by a passionate, quality orientated group of individuals and families. With a warm climate and long summers, this region is particularly suited to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and there is also a small planting of Carmenere. The white varieties that have done especially well are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Viognier.
As well as a outstanding wine trail the region offers a host of artisan food producers, sculpture parks, farm gate stalls and a very popular farmers market on the weekend.
Waiheke Island- Set in the sparkling Waitemata harbour, Waiheke is a pleasant 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Waiheke Island enjoys a warmer, drier climate than the mainland during the growing season and is perfectly suited to the production of Bordeaux-style reds. Production is small for most of the more than 20 boutique wineries, with many of the wines only available at the cellar door.
With its Mediterranean-like atmosphere, superb beaches and myriad attractions, Waiheke Island is an essential stopover during a visit to Auckland.
