We are open tomorrow from 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610

New Zealand's best wine regions

Article content

8 April 2014 by Daniel Wright

New Zealand is consistently awarded for the quality of its wines and uses them as a showcase for the country. Perhaps the best thing about Kiwi wine is its acidity and drinkability, but that's not to say producers don't focus on the top end.

In years to come New Zealand will be producing some of the best wines around as they refine what they are doing ... they'll certainly have wines that can be kept for 20 to 30 years, on par with anything in Burgundy or Bordeaux.

In recognition of this we've put together a special guide to discovering the best of New Zealand's wine. While all of the regions are worthy of a visit, if you're short on time, perhaps focus on Hawke's Bay and Central Otago; Hawke's Bay has a great restaurant scene that has grown up around the wine industry, while Otago is all about Pinot, Pinot, Pinot. 

For the ultimate chance to discover the very best of New Zealand's world-class food and wine, take an outstanding 22-day tailor-made New Zealand Culinary Journey...

New Zealand Wine Guide

Northland

NorthlandNorthland is New Zealand's oldest and most northerly wine region. Northland enjoys warm, subtropical growing conditions.

Regional Summary
The region's boutique vineyards produce ripe, well-rounded whites - such as Chardonnay - and substantial Cabernet Merlot blends.

Auckland

AucklandAuckland is the HQ for many of New Zealand's largest wine companies and is rich with wine growing history.

Regional summary
The region grows quality wines - ripe Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and mouth-filling whites such as Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Recently attention has focused on the emerging sub-regions of Waiheke Island and Matakana.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty

WaikatoThis warm, temperate countryside produces a variety of flavoursome wines.

Regional summary
A small number of vineyards sprinkled across the area produce Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons, which boast complex, ripe flavours with moderate acidity.

Gisborne

GisborneAs the world's most easterly wine growing region, Gisborne is to first to feel the sun each day.

Regional summary
Gisborne is a warm, coastal region renowned for its generous, highly approachable wines - especially the soft Chardonnays.

Hawke's Bay

Hawke's BayHawke's Bay has a long, rich heritage of fine wine production and is the country's largest growing region for red varieties.

Regional summary
The region's Merlot-based blends are rich and plummy in their youth, acquiring complex, gamy characteristics with age.

The Cabernet Sauvignon reds exhibit flavours of blackcurrant and spice, often with a touch of mint. Emerging Syrah has ‘Rhone-like' elegance with notes of plum and black pepper. Hawke's Bay's peach and grapefruit flavoured Chardonnays have gained great acclaim, while the Sauvignon Blancs (softer and riper than those from Marlborough) and weighty, aromatic Pinot Gris and Reisling also perform well.

Wairarapa/Martinborough

WairarapaThis is a small wine region with a top-flight reputation.

Regional summary
Wairarapa produces solid red and white wines from several grape varieties, but is especially acclaimed for the flavoursome Pinot Noirs from Martinborough.

Nelson

NelsonThe picturesque valleys of Nelson revel in a sunny, maritime climate.

Regional summary
Nelson produces some of the country's most freshly scented and intensely aromatic wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, along with vibrant, supple Pinot Noirs.

Marlborough

MarlboroughMarlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region, particularly noted for it's strikingly pungent Sauvignon Blanc.

Regional summary
Marlborough's sunny days and cool nights ensure vibrant, complex wines renowned the world over.

Marlborough is New Zealand's (some say the world's) Sauvignon Blanc capital and the benchmark quality produced here has put the country firmly on the world wine map. The region is also the largest producer of mouth-filling Pinot Noir reds. Marlborough also excels with other white varieties, in particular fresh, fruity Chardonnays, crisp, fragrant Rieslings and top-class bottle-fermented sparkling wines.

Canterbury

CanterburyThe Waipara Valley and plains of Canterbury produce distinguished Rieslings and Pinot Noirs.

Regional summary
These dry, southerly and cool climate districts are acclaimed for aromatic Rieslings and intense Pinot Noirs.

Central Otago

Central OtagoThe dramatic mountain valley vineyards of the world's most southerly wine region have taken great leaps forward in recent years.

Regional summary
The Pinot Noir from Central Otago has gained a strong following with its vibrant, cherry-like spicy flavour and velvety texture.

Related offers

Silo Bar and Croft Restaurant, Amora Hotel, Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney

Contemporary hotel

Located in the heart of Sydney's buzzing CBD, the five-star Amora Hotel makes for a wonderfully contemporary base for city exploration, alongside an indulgent spa and farm-to-table restaurant.

Weta Studio Tour and Dinner

Weta Studio Tour and Dinner

Evening excursion

Learn the secrets behind Tolkien’s film adaptations before enjoying a three-course VIP dinner

Martinborough Food & Wine Producers Tour

Martinborough Food & Wine Producers Tour

On-the-day excursion

Sample the finest viticulture and gourmet dining on a private tour of one of New Zealand’s most respected wine regions.

Waiheke Island Extension

Waiheke Island

Three-day extension

Pamper yourself with wine tours, gourmet meals and exclusive accommodation all set to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful vistas

Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Evening excursion

Enjoy a traditional feast, cultural performances and an ancestral homeland that erupts in geothermal activity in one fascinating evening

Marlborough Wine Tour

Marlborough Wine Tour

On-the-day excursion

Go in depth with this luxury tasting tour of the region’s finest wines and local produce

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected