NEW ZEALAND WINES & WINE TOURISM
Bay of Islands, Northland:
Photo source: Alistair Guthrie
A personal introduction to New Zealand wine country, from Robert Giorgione:
Our friend and guest contributor, Robert Giorgione, otherwise known as the ‘Roving Sommelier’ - an award-winning sommelier, wine writer and expert on New Zealand takes us on an ‘epicurean odyssey’ around the wine regions of New Zealand and we know you will just love his personal introduction to this incredible country, its wines, its wine regions and its winemakers!
An introduction to New Zealand and New Zealand wine
New Zealand is one of the most isolated countries on the planet, some 3 hours flight distance from its closest neighbour, Australia and an island country - the sixth-largest island country by area. New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, separated by the Cook Strait and over 700 smaller islands.
New Zealand is one of the most unique destinations in the world, famous for its spectacular, natural scenery and pristine wilderness. In addition, visitors are drawn to its rich culture, friendly hospitality and excellent food and wine.
New Zealand’s wine history is relatively young and it produces just 1% of the world’s wine.
However, 90% of New Zealand wine production is exported, a reflection of the world-wide popularity of New Zealand wines, which took off in the 1980s, when the world fell in love with the sharp, tangy, refreshing, intensely-flavoured New Zealand wines, in particular Marlborough Sauvignon blanc.
Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Source: Gary Lisbon, Newzealand.com
Wine regions in New Zealand
New Zealand grows the world’s most southerly grapes and the climate is broadly maritime, with cool growing conditions and lots of rain - the reason why New Zealand is so green and verdant! New Zealand has had to rely heavily on good canopy management to protect its grapes from the challenges of heavy rainfall.
The North Island however is warmer - several degrees - than the South island. Most of the west and south coast is too wet for wine production - in fact the whole country was virtually rainforest just 150 years ago.
On both islands, viticulture is focused on the east coast, and the wine regions are spread across the North and South Islands. Each region offers a diversity of wine, reflecting the different geographies, climates and terroirs.
Marlborough, at the north eastern tip of the South Island is today the largest wine producing region in New Zealand and ‘Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc’ is famous throughout the world, helping put New Zealand on the global wine map.
Wine map, New Zealand
New Zealand wines and grapes
Today, Sauvignon blanc is by far New Zealand’s most important grape variety, representing about 60% of the total vineyard area. A cool climate is required for Sauvignon blanc to be fresh and vibrant and the climate on the northern tip of the South Island has perfect growing conditions for this popular grape variety. Sauvignon blanc wines also represent almost 90% of New Zealand wine exports.
Pinot noir is the second most popular grape variety - but despite it accounting for two thirds of all red wine production, it’s a distant second in terms of production, to Sauvignon blanc. Chardonnay comes in third place, but volumes have been falling in recent years. Pinot gris is proving increasingly popular and the Riesling grape, another cool climate variety, is the sixth most planted variety and some fine dry and sweet Rieslings are produced here.
The New Zealand wine industry
The global success of New Zealand Sauvignon blanc led to significant foreign investment and today the industry is dominated by French company Pernod Ricard, which purchased the dominant brand, Brancott Estate in 2005. Then there is the Villa Maria/Vidals/Esk Valley group, the Nobilo Group, Matua and Oyster Bay.
Young, dynamic winemakers have been attracted to New Zealand and produce some excellent wines, in some part influenced by top European wine regions and winemaking techniques but also through creating a unique style and approach all of their own.
Roys Peak, Wanaka - Credit: Miles-Holden
Shotover River - Credit: Miles Holden
Abel Tasman National Park - Credit: Miles Holden
Visiting New Zealand - Travel guide
New Zealand is one of the most popular and sought-after travel destinations in the world. If it’s not on your travel list, it probably should be!
In terms of nature, New Zealand has it all, including gigantic mountains, glaciers, deep lakes and fjords, huge rivers, beautiful beaches, stunning national parks and dark, untamed forests. This makes New Zealand a magnet for hikers and those who love the great outdoors! And, of course, if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, then you will definitely want to explore the unique scenery and locations of New Zealand, where the majority of the movie was filmed.
New Zealand is also a mecca for adventure and high-adrenaline sports, including bungy jumping, sky-diving, paragliding and white-water rafting.
The nature and adventure lifestyle offered by New Zealand is more than complemented by a thriving food and wine scene and fabulous and characterful cities including capital city, Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.
Visiting wineries - New Zealand wine tours
There are lots of wineries to visit when in New Zealand - see here for information about New Zealand wineries, wine tours and vineyard tours.
Visit NewZealand.com to help plan your trip, including the best time of year to visit New Zealand, accommodation in New Zealand and the best places to visit on the South Island and the North Island.
Blue Lakes, Tongariro National Park - Credit: Destination Lake Taupo
Hobbiton movie set, Waikato (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit) - Credit: Matt Crawford
Aukland Harbour - Credit: Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
The tiny Waipara region in North Canterbury, just an hour’s drive north of the city, is possibly one of the most under-appreciated wine regions in the whole of New Zealand - but my personal favourite…