Prepare the passport, New Zealand's wine regions are ready to be discovered.
New Zealand is known for its amazing wine scene, and for good reason! From the tropical Northland to the southernmost vineyards of Central Otago, every region has its own distinctive geography and climate that contribute to the diverse range of wines produced in New Zealand.
“New Zealand’s wine regions are a true reflection of our unique climate and diverse geography. With each region offering its own distinct characteristics, our winemakers are able to craft a range of exceptional wines that truly showcase the best of what New Zealand has to offer,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Marketing, New Zealand Winegrowers.
A guide to New Zealand’s Wine Regions:
Marlborough: The Most Famous Wine Region
Marlborough is the most well-known wine region in New Zealand, and it’s famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. The region produces over 70% of the country’s wine and is located on the northeastern tip of the South Island. Marlborough has a unique microclimate that produces a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc with distinct notes of grapefruit and tropical fruits.
Central Otago: Pinot Noir Heaven
Central Otago is the southernmost wine region in the world, and it’s famous for its Pinot Noir. The region has a cool, continental climate that produces wines with bold flavors, high acidity, and a distinct minerality. Central Otago’s Pinot Noir is often described as having flavours of dark cherries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Credit: NZ Winegrowers. Ceres Wines
Hawke’s Bay: A Classic Region
Hawke’s Bay is located on the eastern coast of the North Island and is the oldest wine region in New Zealand. It’s known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region’s hot summers and cool winters provide the perfect climate for producing rich, complex wines with a unique New Zealand twist.
Wairarapa: Martinborough’s Glory
Wairarapa is located in the southern part of the North Island and is home to the Martinborough wine region. Martinborough is known for producing elegant, complex Pinot Noir that rivals those from Burgundy, France. The region’s cool climate and low rainfall produce wines with a unique acidity and minerality.
Auckland: The Sparkling Wine Capital
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, and it’s also home to several wine regions. The region’s sparkling wine is particularly famous, with the most popular being produced on Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island is known for its Bordeaux-style reds, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
Credit: NZ Winegrowers. Man O War Vineyards
Northland: An Up and Coming Region
Northland is a relatively new wine region in New Zealand, but it’s quickly making a name for itself. The region is located on the northern tip of the North Island and is known for producing bold, fruity red wines. Northland’s hot, humid climate produces wines with flavors of black currant, plum, and black cherry.
North Canterbury: The Gateway to the South Island
North Canterbury is located on the eastern coast of the South Island and is known for producing crisp, acidic wines with a distinct minerality. The region’s cool climate produces wines with a unique acidity and flavours of lime, grapefruit, and passionfruit.
Nelson: Sunshine and Sea Breezes
Nelson is located on the northern tip of the South Island and is known for its Aromatics and Pinot Noir. The region’s hot summers and sea breezes produce wines with a unique combination of flavors, including tropical fruits, citrus, and strawberries.
Credit: NZ Winegrowers. Middle Earth Vineyards
Gisborne: The Chardonnay Capital
Gisborne is located on the eastern coast of the North Island and is known for producing rich, buttery Chardonnay. The region’s warm, sunny climate produces wines with flavours of peach, vanilla, and oak.
Waitaki Valley: The Cool Climate Region
The region’s cool, maritime climate produces wines with a unique balance of acidity and fruitiness, with flavors of cherries, blackberries, and plums. The wines from Waitaki Valley are relatively new to the market, but they are gaining popularity for their elegance and complexity.
