New Zealand’s wineries attract people from all over the world, and with good reason. Here are our favourite places with incredible wineries in New Zealand.
As a self confessed lover of NZ wines, and given the huge popularity of the classic NZ Sauvignon Blanc on offer, it is hard to believe that New Zealand produces less than one per cent of the world’s wine.
In worldwide terms, the majority come from the one region, Marlborough, so it is easy to assume that is all they do, but not so.
NZ hosts more than 2000 vineyards from the subtropical North Island down to the far colder and frostier South Island, with many choices in between, such as the Hawkes Bay and Central Otago.
Apart from the Goliath producers of the popular Sauvignon Blancs, there are a lot of smaller, family run and intriguing wineries to be discovered.
NORTH ISLAND
Waiheke Island – A favourite weekend getaway or even on a day trip. Just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, and you can find more than 30 wineries. Stay overnight, as Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches.
Known for Bordeaux and Merlot as well as Syrah and Chardonnay. Check out the famous Mudbrick Winery, with amazing wine, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, and products and gifts.
Hawkes Bay – travelling down from Auckland to Wellington, you can hook a left and visit the beautiful Hawkes Bay region, famous for its beautiful fresh produce. The climate here is also ideal for grapes and so it is actually NZs 2nd the country’s second biggest wine producer. You’ll find more than 70 wineries offering a variety of styles, again Bordeaux-style reds , chardonnays and pinot gris.
If you are in that region, visit Napier, a city that was entirely rebuilt in art deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931, and now hosts stunning original art deco buildings.
SOUTH ISLAND
Akaroa – definitely worth the side trip from Christchurch. Akaroa is a French village, perfect for a stroll taking in the harbour, galleries, arts and craft stalls and cafes and cheese tasting at Barry’s Bay
The most famous vineyard is Akaroa Winery, a beautiful Mediterranean style venue, overlooking the stunning Akaroa inlet. The organic, family-owned vineyard is located on the north facing slopes overlooking Takamatua Bay. The grape varieties grown are award winning Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Central Otago
Doing what Marlborough did for sauvignon blanc, Central Otago is the home of pinot noir. The snow-capped mountains, and extreme climate – as the world’s most southerly wine region, it gets hot, dry summers; cold, snowy winters and wildly fluctuating overnight temperatures.
Queenstown
If you are staying in Queenstown, taking a break from all the activities there, there are many wine tours available, including Gibbston Valley, located just east of Queenstown. While pinot noir gets most of the attention, you’ll also find some excellent rieslings and pinot gris.
5 Wineries and a helicopter! If you are feeling the need for speed, check out our Heli Wine Tour – “Between the Vines’ is a new helicopter experience offered by Garden City Helicopters. Taking off from Christchurch, you can leave the car behind and fly into five wineries, all with different personalities and unique wines in the beautiful North Canterbury Waipara Valley wine region right on the doorstep of Christchurch City.Wine tastings are included with the experience and guests can have the additional option of more time for a lunch at one of the wineries – with just the added expense of lunch. The price is $750pp NZD for an experience never to be forgotten!
Ready to start planning a trip you will remember forever? Contact us!
