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 wine regions in New Zealand that grow different grape varieties to produce a variety of wines. Below are some of the popular wine regions in 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 famous for its production of Sauvignon Blanc. Cloudy Bay Vineyards is often credited for making the wine of New Zealand known around the world and it is definitely worth visiting New Zealand’s largest wine region when in this part of the country.
How to best visit:
When traveling between Abel Tasman National Park or Nelson on the South Island and Wellington on the North Island or as a weekend trip from Wellington or Christchurch. The best town to stay in is Blenheim.
Wine Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc primarily, but also Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
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 impressive tasting room with views of their barrels or meals in their garden terrace next to vineyards.
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 Hawke's Bay Wine Region
Hawke’s Bay is the oldest and second largest of the wine regions in 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 New Zealand 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 any 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.
The best way to get around New Zealand to explore these wine regions in New Zealand is by renting a car.
Central Otago Wine Region
The Central Otago wine region is one of the easiest wine regions in New Zealand for visitors to access. It is located right outside of Queenstown and is the world’s southernmost wine region which is famous for its production of Pinot Noir. The entire region is incredibly picturesque with tall mountains all around and there are so many other activities to do in the area.
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
The cellar door is inside a beautiful European-inspired building and nestled in the mountains outside of Queenstown. 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.
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 in the Hauraki Gulf. Because it is only a 1 hour ferry ride away, it is easy to visit for a day trip when spending time in Auckland, and one of the easiest wine regions in New Zealand to access. Once on the island you can use the local bus or rent bikes to explore different wineries, beaches, towns, and restaurants.
Wine Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and a growing production of Syrah
This particular winery has beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards. Tantalus Estate has both a winery and a brewery so you can sample different types of drinks during your visit. The food pairs well with the drinks and the outdoor patio is great on a nice day. Make sure to make a reservation prior to visiting.
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 changes seasonally to highlight the local produce of New Zealand.
