New Zealand’s wine regions are famed for producing distinguished and characterful wines, and Martinborough in particular has become world renowned for its range of exquisite Pinot Noirs.
Long sunny hours and moderate climate in northern warmer regions make them well suited to rich red blends like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while cooler areas such as Wairarapa and Canterbury provide optimal conditions for aromatic Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc production.
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions and renowned for producing full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blends, Syrah and Chardonnay. Furthermore, its gravelly soils and unique climate offer ideal growing conditions that produce exquisite produce such as asparagus, olives and strawberries (when in season).
At just 332 kilometers northwest of Wellington, Napier has earned international renown for its wines. Visitors can experience its well-established wine trail by cycling between cellar doors and artisan producers connected by flat, easy bicycle paths or take in its elegant Art Deco architecture and gourmet food scene on guided tours.
Kate Kina, owner and winemaker at Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels in Gimblett Gravels explains she felt fortunate when she found herself taking an assistant position with one of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest wineries in her early 20s. After traveling extensively around the globe, Kate now calls Hawke’s Bay her home, dedicated to maintaining its quality while making authentic Kiwi wines that reflect New Zealand values.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island lies within the Hauraki Gulf and boasts Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi open sanctuaries as well as vineyards, olive groves and sandy beaches. Furthermore, there is a vast array of shops and restaurants.
Vineyards on Mallorca are set against an exquisite backdrop of olive trees, forests and hills, giving each winery its own distinctive character. Discover its beauty on a hike or bike ride around the island or by discovering any one of its coastal walkways or beaches.
One of the best ways to experience Waiheke’s wines is through taking a winery tour. There are various tours offering transport between multiple vineyards throughout a day; such as the Waiheke Boutique Picnic Lunch and Wine Tasting Tour that provides transportation between multiple vineyards as well as picnic lunch at one of them – like Mudbrick Vineyard which features delicious wines paired with delicious seafood dishes and gorgeous sea views – situated above Onetangi Beach; founded by Robyn and Nicholas Jones as they sought an escape from corporate Auckland life when they founded it in 1992 – providing transport between multiple wineries and vineyards during a day!
Karikari Peninsula
New Zealand, as an emerging wine market, has quickly earned international acclaim for its varied and characterful wines. You can explore just one wine region on both islands or select among numerous wine tours available.
New Zealand is famed for its wine-growing regions such as Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Waiheke Island; Canterbury Central Otago Waipara Valleys as well. While Sauvignon Blanc remains one of the country’s premier varietal wines produced today, other noteworthy varieties such as Pinot Noir and Riesling also exist.
Reverend Samuel Marsden planted the first vines in New Zealand back in 1819 at a vineyard near Kerikeri on the northern shore of North Island, believing the soil there would be suitable for wine grape growth. His educated guess proved correct and New Zealand has since become one of the leading global wine producers thanks to its ideal climatic conditions that enable both white and red wines production – wine tasting is often included as part of a tour through these spectacular wine regions.
Wairarapa
New Zealand is widely recognized for its stunning landscapes, Lord of the Rings films and Maori culture – but increasingly also for its wines. Boasting over 700 wineries nationwide, you have ample opportunities to sample some of New Zealand’s best vintages.
Wairarapa may be considered a boutique region compared to Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, yet it boasts some of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noirs, Syrahs, Sauvignon Blancs. Thanks to its favorable climate and soil composition, Wairarapa makes some truly exceptional examples of all three varietals as well as high-quality dessert wines which have long been associated with its wineries.
Martinborough is at the heart of New Zealand’s Wairarapa region. Explore dozens of family-owned wineries during a visit, or enjoy one of many attractions including Pukaha National Wildlife Centre. Foodies will love Martinborough for its quality cuisine; world-class restaurants can also be found here. Additionally, hiking and cycling tours are great leisurely pursuits for outdoor adventure.
Canterbury
New Zealand’s relatively recent history of vinification allows its wine regions to produce distinctive and memorable wines, providing ample wine tasting opportunities. Vineyards can often be found close to major cities making it possible to visit several wineries within one day; whether traveling independently, with a guide, or on group wine tours – each traveler is sure to find an experience tailored specifically to them!
Hawke’s Bay and Auckland are known for producing robust red wines, but their cooler inland climate makes the southern regions like Wairarapa, Marlborough, Canterbury and Waipara more suitable for aromatic Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay production. Wairarapa, Marlborough Canterbury Waipara’s climate provides ideal conditions for producing aromatic Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay blends like Central Otago known for world class Pinot Noir as well as refined Rose versions. Central Otago has quickly established itself as one of the premier Pinot Noir growing regions; its unique climate also suited for growing Pinot Gris Riesling varieties too!