Wine has been produced in New Zealand since the arrival of the first European settlers – the nation’s oldest winemaker, Mission Estate, has been producing sacramental and table wines in Hawke’s Bay since 1851 – but in recent years the industry has rapidly evolved. New Zealand is now internationally lauded for producing wines of note.

New Zealand’s range of landscapes – or terroir, in wine-making terminology! – make for unparalleled variety. There are ten significant wine-growing regions in New Zealand and growers are constantly experimenting with new regional microclimates so no doubt this number will grow. Each growing area has a particular climate and terrain that produces a distinctive type of wine.

The biggest growing areas are on the sunny and dry eastern coast; Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay in the North Island and Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine-growing area, in the South Island. Other important areas are Wairarapa, Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago. Wherever you are in New Zealand, you’re probably not far from the blissfully indulgent experience of a vineyard visit, so make sure you take the time to stop at a cellar door.

Auckland

Look for superb Chardonnays, particularly from Waiheke Island wineries. Matakana, north of Auckland, produces Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz), Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Gisborne

The Chardonnay capital of New Zealand consistently produces delicious examples of this popular wine.

Hawke’s Bay

This region has one of the longest traditions of wine-making in New Zealand. Its climate is perfect for grapes – a dry, sunny growing season makes for high alcohol content! Local Chardonnays are stunning and the reds produced in this part of the country are New Zealand’s best.

Wairarapa

Not a big wine-growing area, but it does produce premium examples of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Marlborough

Many consider this area the Sauvignon capital of the world. Hot sunny days and crisp nights intensify flavour and preserve acidity, making for stunningly intense Sauvignon Blanc.

Canterbury

A crisp climate makes for good Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends.

Central Otago

Home to some of the southernmost vineyards in the world, here the emphasis is on Pinot Noir.