North Canterbury, encompassing the Waipara Valley and a few isolated vineyards on the Banks Peninsula, is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most promising regions for wine production, especially known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling varieties. Located just a short drive north of Christchurch, its wine-making history is relatively recent but rich in potential.
The region’s viticulture narrative began with early French settlers who landed in 1840 at Akaroa, now known for its charm but with limited vineyards at the time. In 1895, Romeo Bragato, a notable figure in New Zealand’s wine history, assessed the country’s viticultural potential and highlighted North Canterbury, particularly the Akaroa area, though his recommendations went largely unacknowledged, prompting his departure in 1909.
The modern era of North Canterbury’s wine making took hold in the 1970s with the establishment of viticulture programs at Lincoln College (now Lincoln University). Two pivotal figures were Dr. David Jackson, a lecturer in fruit production since 1968, and Danny Schuster, who had trained in viticulture and enology in Europe before settling in New Zealand in 1973. Schuster and Jackson explored the feasibility of grape growing in Canterbury during a time when the South Island was not yet a wine-producing region. Their efforts included initiation of trial plantings starting in 1973.
Success didn’t come easily, as the initial fruiting seasons faced significant climatic challenges. However, diligent efforts led to the assessment of various grape varieties, and by 1978, a tasting panel formed with influential local figures helped establish a quality benchmark for the emerging wines.
Among those who contributed to the region’s growth were Graeme Steans, who planted what likely became New Zealand’s oldest Pinot Noir vines in Kaituna Valley in 1977, and Bill Turner, who expanded local vineyards through collaborative efforts. Turner teamed up with fellow entrepreneurs to produce wines that would gain recognition, including a key vintage that showcased their capability in winemaking.
The early 1980s saw more planting projects in the area, with initial successes culminating in awards that bolstered North Canterbury’s reputation in the national scene. One standout was the St Helena Pinot Noir, which garnered gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Competition and was pivotal in placing the region on the New Zealand wine map.
The 1990s marked an expansion into new terroirs, including ventures in the Weka Pass area and the establishment of close-planted vineyards on unique soil sites, leading to the emergence of high-quality wines from producers committed to boutique practices.
Today, North Canterbury stands thriving, marked by a spirit of innovation and dedication among its winemakers, making it an exciting region for both local and international wine lovers.
Notable Wineries in North Canterbury:
- Dancing Water
- Black Estate
- Bryter Later
- Pegasus Bay
- Pyramid Valley
For more information, visit North Canterbury Wines.