New Zealand, while known for its rugged nature and adventure activities, has a small but successful wine industry. Because of the different climates throughout the two islands, there are various areas that grow different grape varieties to produce a variety of wines. Below are some of the popular wine regions of New Zealand along with the grape varieties and restaurants worth trying throughout the country.
The Marlborough Wine Region
The Marlborough wine region is one of the most well known wine regions in New Zealand and is often credited for making the wine of New Zealand known around the world. Cloudy Bay Vineyards is the producer that exports the most wine and is definitely worth visiting when in this part of the country.
How to best visit:
When traveling between Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson on the South Island and Wellington on the North Island or as a weekend trip from Wellington
Wine Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc primarily, but also Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
The winery was established in 1985 as one of the first wineries in the Marlborough region and the reason that New Zealand's wines are internationally recognized. Today, you can go to the winery's cellar door for wine tastings in their tasting room adjacent to their barrels or meals in their garden terrace next to vineyards.
Wairau River Cellar Door
The Wairau River Cellar Door is a small winery in the Marlborough wine region. Their restaurant, Number 11 Restaurant, is a must visit for foodies. Their elevated and modern New Zealand cuisine is delicious and their casual outdoor patio is the perfect way to take in the wine region. Be sure to make a reservation.
The Hawkes Bay Wine Region
Hawkes Bay is the oldest and second largest wine region of New Zealand. It has been recognized as one of the Great Wine Capitals in the world. Beyond the great wine, one of the main towns in the region, Napier, is the art deco capital of the world with unique and distinct architecture from the 1930s when the town was rebuilt after an earthquake.
How to best visit:
When traveling between Wellington and Taupo or Rotorua or as a weekend trip from either of these locations. The best town to stay in is Napier.
Wine Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blends (Bordeaux-style), and Syrah
The family-owned winery is named after the mountain range adjacent to the estate and vineyards. Beyond the wines they produce, the estate has a wonderful restaurant with food that pairs perfectly with the red and white wines from the winery. The whole menu is delicious and if you can't decide what to order, we recommend getting their shared menu. Make sure to make a reservation.
Central Otago Wine Region
The Central Otago wine region is one of the easiest wine regions for visitors to New Zealand to access. It is located right outside of Queenstown and is the world’s southernmost wine region. The entire region is incredibly picturesque with tall mountains all around and there are so many other activities to do in the region.
How to best visit:
The wine region is easy to access from Queenstown. You can also check out the wineries when road tripping between Queenstown and Christchurch.
Wine Varieties
Pinot Noir and different white wine varieties
Chard Farm Winery
The cellar door is beautifully nestled in the mountains outside of Queenstown. The cellar door is a beautiful European-inspired building. Wine tastings are $20 (but the tasting fee is often waived when purchasing a certain quantity of wine). Make sure to make a reservation prior to visiting.
Mount Difficulty Cellar Door
The restaurant at the Mount Difficulty cellar door is a chic restaurant with beautiful views. It's the perfect place to sample wines while indulging in modern New Zealand cuisine. Make sure to make a reservation prior to visiting.
Waiheke Island Wine Region
Waiheke Island is a wine region just off the coast of Auckland. Because it is just a 1 hour ferry ride away, it is easy to visit for a day trip when spending time in Auckland. The island can be visited by bus or by renting bikes to explore different wineries, beaches, towns, and restaurants.
Wine Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and a growing production of Syrah
Tantalus Estate
This particular winery is has beautiful views of the vineyards around the island. This estate is both a winery and a brewery so you can sample different types of drinks during your time on the island. The food pairs well with the drinks. Make sure to make a reservation prior to visiting.
Three Seven Two
Three Seven Two is a restaurant (independent from any winery) on one of the beaches of Waiheke Island. It is an award winning restaurant with delicious and unique dishes. They are perfectly sized to share and the menu seasonally changes to highlight the local produce of New Zealand.
