New Zealand Wine Regions

A small nation with a big reputation for wine. Production here is relatively tiny, especially compared to its enormous and noisier neighbour, Australia. The thing is, however, that New Zealand always produces the goods, especially on the white side, which means it can often name its price!

Sauvignon Blanc has clearly helped establish the country’s identity internationally, with world famous winemakers in Cloudy Bay and Forrest Wines leading the way. We are now so accustomed to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that it’s unofficially become a style in its own right and used to describe wines from other countries! Chardonnay and an increasing amount of Riesling are also being produced here to very high standard. Make sure you keep an eye out for sparkling wines, too. New Zealand reds are lesser known, much like they are here in the UK and other cooler climate countries such as Germany. That said, what they do produce is always very good, especially Pinot Noir which today can charge quite a premium. Other international varieties including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular, and also good! In short, we love the kiwis and their wine really does deserve the exceptional reputation.

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Learn About the History, Grape Varieties, Climate and Wines of Each New Zealand Wine Region Below:

Northland
Auckland
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Wairarapa
Marlborough
Canterbury
Central Otago
Nelson
Waikato & Bay of Plenty
Northland

An Introduction to Northland

Northland is the closest wine region New Zealand has to a tropical paradise! Wines here reflect the area particularly well, especially the tropical fruit-led whites made with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Viognier. The reds are very good too and are a little different to the typically cooler climate style the country is known for. Expect spicy Syrahs and stylish red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which is very common French practice. This however is nothing like France. Vineyards are sparsely spread across truly incredible landscapes and make for a great day out exploring the northern tip of New Zealand.

Climate and Geography

The Northland climate is hot and among the warmest in the whole country. Summers are largely dry, humid and very sunny, resulting in nicely concentrated grapes on the vine. With clear autumns, harvests are often earlier that most parts of New Zealand, helping to create richer and bolder wines. With a relatively small number of vineyards dotted across a sizeable geographical territory, winemakers enjoy their own micro-climates resulting in an interesting region of variety.

Red Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinotage

White Varieties

Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc

Climate

Hot

Landscape

Hilly

Soil

Clay, sand

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Auckland

An Introduction to Auckland

One of the country’s largest wine regions which dates back to the start of the 20^th century. Due to its size, naturally the range of wines being produced here is diverse, as too are its winemakers. The region boasts some of New Zealand’s largest brands as well as a host of smaller boutique wineries. Stylish red blends are found throughout Auckland often made with a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or Syrah. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white variety and comes in an array of styles with ripe, tropical notes a common theme. Despite its size, Auckland only account for under 1% of New Zealand’s total production.

Climate and Geography

The region is loosely broken up into three key areas. West Auckland is warm and fertile with many of the oldest wine houses based here. Matakana, to the north, is the newest of the three with younger vines, whilst Waiheke Island (where Ed Sheeran has a hideaway property!) is the picturesque gem with its own maritime climate renowned for its quality and boutique wines. Soils in the region are mixed in quality but are predominantly clay based.

Red Varieties

Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

White Varieties

Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Coastal

Soil

Clay, sandstone, silt

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Gisborne

An Introduction to Gisborne

Gisborne is a relatively remote part of New Zealand in the eastern corner the North Island. An exciting range of wines are produced here, ranging from full and fruity red wines to excitingly aromatic white wines. The region is also a hotbed for biodynamic and boutique winemaking, with clusters of smaller scale producers growing plenty of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, and more niche varieties including Gewürztraminer. Merlot is the standout red variety, but tends to only be found in carefully planned sites.

Climate and Geography

Sunshine is aplenty in Gisborne, as are the luscious green rolling hills and windy rivers surrounded by dramatic mountainous landscapes. Rainfall is quite low here too, which adds to the regions appeal for visitors. Grapes in Gisborne are among the first to be harvested across the whole country – Sauvignon Blanc here is notoriously tropical and bolder in style.

Red Varieties

Merlot

White Varieties

Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Hilly

Soil

Clay, silt, loam

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Hawke’s Bay

An Introduction to Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second largest wine producing region and has been at the epicentre of the country’s fine wine scene for decades. Interestingly, the region bucks the trend in that it holds a very strong reputation for its red wine, particularly quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, fairly typical of Bordeaux wines, as well as Syrah and Pinot Noir varieties. White wines, however, still make up the bulk of production with, surprisingly to some, Chardonnay leading the way ahead of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Around 10% of the country’s entire wine production happens here.

Climate and Geography

There is a lot of sun here, and is often compared to having similar climatic conditions to French counterparts in Burgundy and Bordeaux, hence the blends! Maritime influence cools hot summer days whilst free-draining soils reduce the impact of occasional cold and wet weather in cooler seasons. Unfortunately for us, soils here are a bit of a minefield, so it’s very difficult to pin it down to just a couple of key types. That said, gravel is prominent, as is limestone and loamy clays among the region’s rolling hills.

Red Varieties

Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Coastal

Soil

Gravel, clay, limestone

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Wairarapa

An Introduction to Wairarapa

This is as boutique as New Zealand gets. Wairapapa, which means glistening waters in Maori, is a small region contributing around 1% of the country’s wine production. Just a 30km drive from the capital, Wellington, here you will find relatively new style wines and, as with practically all of New Zealand, very high quality! Vines really only got going in the 1970s, so there’s an element of excitement and the unknown here which add to the region’s appeal.

Climate and Geography

Wairarapa bucks the trend in that it has a red variety as its most planted grape in Pinot Noir. This is the region’s flagship wine and is typically richly flavoured with savoury and perfumed undertones. Syrah, surprisingly to some, is also found here, and is among the newer trend wines coming out of the country. White wines include very aromatic Riesling and Pinot Gris, and strongly perfumed Sauvignon Blanc which many will tell you is New Zealand’s best kept secret!

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Hilly

Soil

Loam, clay, limestone

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Marlborough

An Introduction to Marlborough

The flagship wine region of New Zealand has to be Marlborough. It is synonymous on the global stage with high end and seriously good quality Sauvignon Blanc, so much so we even refer to savs from other countries as kiwi in style! Over 20,000 hectares of vines are planted here, which is around two thirds of the country’s total. There is good variety grown in Marlborough too, with exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay also being produced alongside the predominate Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Climate and Geography

The general theme of New Zealand is that it is quite simply stunning. The same applies to Marlborough. There are vineyards aplenty from the minute you arrive at Blenheim (the region’s main town), each enjoying their own patch of what is actually a very diverse landscape of sweeping valleys, beautiful mountains and sheltered waterways. There is plenty of sunshine here, with moderate temperatures and cooling coastal breeze. Ancient glacial, free-draining soil is another key to this region’s success and trademark crisp, complex and highly aromatic wines with purity and minerality at its core.

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Coastal

Soil

Gravel, clay, glacial

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Canterbury

An Introduction to Canterbury

Canterbury is surrounded by stunning Alps to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, spanning nearly 200km of the South Island. The region has a standout reputation for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular, and has received many accolades for other key varieties including Riesling, Pinot Gris and of course, Sauvignon Blanc. This is a part of New Zealand where you will find many hidden gems, as well as awesome driving and cycling routes!

Climate and Geography

The Southern Alps ensure that there is relatively little rainfall here, particularly during the warm and long summer periods where sunshine is in abundance. Drought is sometimes an issue because of this, but is overcome by irrigation networks. Due to the region being so large, soil types differ massively but largely feature limestone-derived clay and gravelly surfaces. The long growing season adds unique levels of finesse to wine produced here – hence the sterling reputation.

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Climate

Cool

Landscape

Flat

Soil

Gravel, limestone, clay

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Central Otago

An Introduction to Central Otago

This is the world’s most southernmost recognised wine region and New Zealand’s highest. It’s also spectacularly beautiful with stunning snow-topped mountainous landscapes, mesmerising lakes and wide open skies. It will be of no surprise to you that Central Otago is a tourist hotspot, including for wine tourism. Here you will find some of the world’s best Pinot Noir as well as very aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from well-respected winemakers. 3% of the country’s wine production take place in the region – quite surprising given its reputation!

Climate and Geography

This is a cool climate region with some continental influences. With the colder temperatures and expected frosts, site selection here is key. Central Otago does however enjoy hot but short summers which are followed by relatively dry autumnal periods. This, coupled with glacial stony soils, helps to achieve wines of incredible purity and complexity.

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Climate

Cool

Landscape

High Altitude

Soil

Sandy, gravel, glacial

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Nelson

An Introduction to Nelson

Next to Malborough, this is a region of true beauty situated right at the very top of the South Island. Its winemaking history is among the oldest in the country dating back to the mid-1800s when early German settlers started planting vines. Nelson itself has a boutique reputation, in that many producers are fairly small, but also due to the region’s vibrant artistic culture. Here you’ll find outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, as well as decent volumes of expressive Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The food scene is excellent too, which further adds to the appeal of Nelson’s wines.

Climate and Geography

Nelson has an enviable Mediterranean climate which draws in both domestic and foreign holidaymakers year-round. Close proximity to the sea provides a cooling effect during the warmer sunny periods, whilst plenty of sunlight hours help to develop intensity and depth in the grapes. Nelson Sauvignon Blanc, however, is slightly more elegant and subtle than many of its counterparts but still carries superb minerality and tropical notes. Likewise, reds are expressive and often perfumed in nature.

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

White Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Coastal

Soil

Loam, clay, gravel

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Waikato & Bay of Plenty

An Introduction to Waikato & Bay of Plenty

The Waikato and Bay of Plenty wine region sits just south of Auckland and has been a part of the winemaking scene in New Zealand for over a century. Today, its influence has somewhat diminished, particularly with the emergence of more notable regions over the past few decades. That being said it still produces wines of real standing. Primary grapes and styles here are focused on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Takeaway fact – the region was named in 1769 by Captain James Cook who found its people to be very generous with plentiful supplies!

Climate and Geography

This is another beautiful part of New Zealand and one of the warmest with fertile lands, long and humid summers, and among the highest tallies of sunshine hours. Grapes therefore develop slightly more concentrated flavours than other areas, with tropical notes particularly coming through with white wines. 160 miles of stunning coastline makes enjoying a glass of local wine here that much more special.

Red Varieties

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

White Varieties

Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

Climate

Moderate

Landscape

Hilly

Soil

Loam, clay

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