New Zealand – click to enlarge

New Zealand is globally recognized for its exceptional cool-climate wines, with unique regions offering distinctive styles and flavours. Spread across both North Island and South Island, the country’s diverse terroir is ideal for a wide variety of grape varieties, with particular acclaim for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Perhaps the next most recognised region is Central Otago, in the southern part of the South Island, near the Southern Alps. This is New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, known for Pinot Noir, which is recognized globally for its intensity, richness, and balance. It is considered one of the finest examples of this varietal outside Burgundy, France.

Travelling northeast from here, you will find the Waitaki Valley wine region. Flanked by the cool South Pacific Ocean to the east and the high peaks of the Southern Alps to the west, the Waitaki River flows through this region. With vines first planted in 2001, it’s a relatively new wine region. Pinot Noir is the predominant variety, alongside aromatic whites Pinot Gris and Riesling.

Further north again, on the east coast near Christchurch, is North Canterbury. This region spans nearly 200km of the South Island’s eastern coastline, with the Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Waipara Valley, located within Canterbury, produces high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The region benefits from a combination of maritime and continental climates, which result in balanced acidity and fruit-forward wines.

Another internationally recognised region is Marlborough, situated on the northeastern tip of the South Island. It has a cool maritime climate with long sunny days and cool nights, influenced by the Pacific Ocean. This is New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region, responsible for over 70% of the country’s wine production. The regional Sauvignon Blanc is considered one of the best in the world, with a distinct profile that set New Zealand wines on the global map in the early 2000s.

Rounding off the South Island is Nelson, a small but growing wine region on the island’s northern tip. It produces outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, aromatics, and an impressive mix of emerging varieties. The region’s wine roots were cultivated in the mid-1800s when German settlers planted the first grape vines.

Crossing the Cook Straight, we arrive in Wairarapa. This small yet diverse region is at the southern point of the North Island, next to the country’s capital, Wellington. Numerous boutique producers offer various varieties and produce exceptional-quality wine. The three main subregions share similar climates and soils yet offer subtle character differences. A range of styles and varieties is on offer.

Located on the North Island’s east coast, near Napier, Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s second-largest wine-producing region. It is famous for its warm climate, which makes it ideal for red wines. The region has a long history of viticulture, with vines first planted in the 1850s, and is now home to some of New Zealand’s oldest vineyards. The region is especially well-regarded for its Syrah, which has received critical acclaim on the international stage and is often compared to Northern Rhône Syrah.

Moving north again, Gisbourne is on the eastern coast of the North Island and New Zealand’s most easterly wine region. This is one of the earliest ripening regions in New Zealand, with some of the country’s first grapes harvested each year. Gisborne is a major supplier of New Zealand’s Chardonnay to the global market.

The Waikato wine region, south of Auckland, includes Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Due to its inland location, the region has a warmer climate and moderate rainfall. It is known for its scenic landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Waikato River. It has a much smaller production than other regions, with boutique wineries focusing on quality over quantity.

The Auckland wine region encompasses a large area, including vineyards close to the city and surrounding areas, making it extremely accessible for wine tourism. There are a number of sub-regions in the area, each offering something unique. Kumeu is known for world-class Chardonnay; Waiheke Island is a short ferry ride away and is renowned for elegant Syrah, Bordeaux blends, and Viognier; and Matakana produces rich red blends and experimental varieties.

Last but by no means least is the most northern wine region in New Zealand, Northland. This region is known for its warm and humid subtropical climate, which is the warmest in the country, with high sunshine hours and moderate rainfall. The wines tend to have ripe fruit flavours, reflecting this warm climate.