A Guide to New Zealand’s Wine Country

Wine aficionados have lauded New Zealand’s wines for decades, from the spicy, complex notes of a Pinot Noir to the crispness of a Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand's wine export sales increased by a record 23% in 2023, surging to NZ$2.4bn, the largest one-year growth in the industry's history. The nation still keeps its premium drops at home, so if you want to discover the best of this wine industry, venture to New Zealand. 

What to Know About New Zealand’s Wine Country 

New Zealand’s wine industry took some time to develop. While sources debate who made the first plantings, the first grapevines set roots on the North Island in 1819. However, it wasn’t until 1836 that someone decided to make the first local wine. This early winemaker wasn’t a Kiwi but likely an Australian who had made the journey across the ditch. In 1873, the nation finally produced its first commercial wine, with the winemaking really taking off in the 1970s.  

New Zealand’s wine industry is now thriving despite this slow start. New Zealand produced approximately 383 million litres of wine in 2022 – a new national record. Wine stood as New Zealand’s ninth-most valuable export in 2022 and later achieved record export figures in 2023 in terms of value.  

Wine exports in the nation have increased by more than $1 billion over the past decade. New Zealand is now the sixth largest exporter of wine (by value) in the world despite producing less than 2% of global supply. 

Types of Wine Produced 

New Zealand’s diverse soils and climate support a variety of grapes. The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular variety, accounting for just under 89% of 2023’s total exports and just over 64% of New Zealand’s total producing vineyard area. Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous Sauvignon Blanc region, although the regions of Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, and Canterbury all produce their own notable versions. 

Pinot Noir is another New Zealand success story. Pinot Noir excels in cool climates, with the best examples found in South Island wineries, especially those in Marlborough, Wellington, and Central Otago. While Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir make up New Zealand’s big two, demand for Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Merlot is increasing.  

Wine critics praise New Zealand wine for its purity and vibrancy. Both features come from the long ripening period necessary in New Zealand’s cool climate. With more time on the vines, the grape flavours intensify yet retain a crisp acidity, keeping those flavours in balance. Stainless steel production equipment enhances the punchy nuances of the grapes, giving the New Zealand winemaking process a point of difference on the global stage. 

How To Get There 

New Zealand’s Classic Wine Trail extends from Napier (Hawke’s Bay) on the North Island to Blenheim on the South Island, taking in Hastings, Martinborough, Wellington, and Picton (Central Otago). It would be a shame not to veer off at Martinborough and explore Marlborough. Do you really want to miss the wines in Gisborne, Canterbury, and West Auckland? In truth, you’ll be able to find wineries near many major New Zealand cities and a range of regional locations throughout the North Island and in the top half of the South Island.  

Air New Zealand operates direct flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles in California to Auckland. These flights tend to leave in the evenings, so you can sleep on the way and arrive ready for your wine adventure in the morning. Continental Airlines also flies direct from Houston, Texas, to Auckland, which may be more convenient if you’re not on the West Coast.  

Once you’re in Auckland, you can book a rental car and drive to an appealing wine destination or catch another Air New Zealand flight. The national carrier flies to many local wine hotspots, including Gisborne, Napier, and Wellington. 

Take a Tour 

Wine tours allow you to enjoy the tastings available at New Zealand’s cellar doors without worrying about being over the legal alcohol limit. You’ll even gain greater access to the winemakers and their processes than general consumers enjoy in some cases. 

You’ll find various wine tours across the country, including half-day trips, full-day trips, and more multi-location New Zealand tours. Some tours focus solely on visiting cellar doors, while others will take you to local sites and landmarks. In most cases, you’ll simply enjoy tasting the wines and chatting with the sommelier or winemaker, while other tours also involve walks among the vines and a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process. 

Most wine tour companies will include complimentary tastings, although inclusions may vary. This advantage benefits visitors who may typically have to pay a nominal tasting fee that becomes refunded only upon purchase. Many wine tours stop for a gourmet lunch at a winery, often included in the tour price. Some wine tours also offer snacks and beverages, including cheese plates, water, and access to Wi-Fi for the tour’s duration. 

New Zealand has a renowned wine industry, but you won’t fully appreciate its legacy by sipping Sauvignon Blanc at home. For an authentic New Zealand wine experience, take the tours, meet the winemakers, and savour those wines paired with New Zealand fare. Pack your bags and head to New Zealand’s cellar doors to discover what this exciting wine industry is all about.