New Zealand is a relative newcomer in the significant wine-producing landscape, gaining international recognition primarily in the mid-1980s. Despite the earliest vines being planted in 1819 and the establishment of the oldest winery, Mission Estate, in 1851, New Zealand had not been acknowledged in iconic wine references until more recently.
The modern winemaking story in New Zealand began in 1973 when Montana planted vines in Marlborough, the country’s largest wine region. Two years later, the first Sauvignon Blanc vines were introduced, an event that would drastically change the nation’s wine profile. Initially, the region had a higher concentration of Muller Thurgau than Sauvignon Blanc, but by the mid-1980s, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc began to attract global attention, especially through renowned producers like Hunters, Montana, and Cloudy Bay. Marlborough has since expanded to over 30,000 hectares of vines, dwarfing the next largest region, Hawke’s Bay, which encompasses only 4,600 hectares.
Other wine regions also blossomed, with Nelson starting its journey in 1973, followed by Martinborough, Waipara, and Central Otago emerging as notable spots for Pinot Noir. While Sauvignon Blanc remains New Zealand’s hallmark, there’s growing recognition for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Key Wine Regions
Marlborough
Marlborough is New Zealand’s most significant wine region, often divided into three parts: the Wairau Valley, the Southern Valleys, and the Awatere Valley. The Wairau Valley encompasses classic Sauvignon territory, whereas the Southern Valleys, with their clay-rich soils, are better suited for Pinot Noir. The Awatere Valley, newer to viticulture, offers a cooler climate and interesting terroirs, also producing notable Pinot Noir. Recent vintages have seen an exciting emergence of aromatic varieties like Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Central Otago
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Central Otago is cooler and drier, providing a unique setting for vineyards. The region is primarily recognized for its excellent Pinot Noir, particularly from the Cromwell Basin, with notable subregions like Bannockburn, Bendigo, and Gibbston. Despite climate challenges, Central Otago produces exceptional quality Pinot Noir that attracts tourists year-round.
North Canterbury (Waipara)
North Canterbury, including the Waipara region, features smaller companies focused on crafting quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling along with Bordeaux-style reds. Wineries like Pyramid Valley and Bell Hill are renowned for producing coveted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from limestone soils.
Nelson
This charming region boasts around 1,000 hectares of vines, predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, but excels in producing high-quality Pinot and Chardonnay from the Moutere Hills, offering a unique mix due to its boutique nature.
Martinborough/Wairarapa
Close to Wellington, Martinborough is recognized for its vibrant Pinot Noir scene. The region holds about 1,000 hectares of vineyards, with Pinot Noir comprising half of that area. The focus here is on boutique wine production and is a popular spot for wine tourism.
Hawke’s Bay
Once the heartland of New Zealand wine, Hawke’s Bay is now noted for its diversity and quality. The Gimblett Gravels area is particularly famous for Syrah and Bordeaux blends. Alongside Chardonnay, which many consider the region’s star, there are notable amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and various red varietals.
Auckland
West Auckland, notably around Henderson, is notable for the origins of many major New Zealand wineries, largely influenced by Croatian immigrants. While it is warm and humid, it has produced some commendable Chardonnays, with Kumeu River being the highlight producer.
Gisborne
Although Gisborne boasts beautiful landscapes on the North Island’s east coast, its production is mainly dedicated to large-scale Chardonnay and Pinot Gris aimed at wineries situated in other regions.
New Zealand’s wine industry has come a long way in just a few decades, transitioning from obscurity to a respected place on the world stage. Its diverse regions and their unique characteristics make it a fascinating destination for wine enthusiasts. For more information, visit the New Zealand Wine website.