Wines of New Zealand
New Zealand's vineyards stretch over 1,000 km across two islands, never far from the ocean. Its cool, sunny climate produces intensely aromatic wines — Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc put the country on the wine map.
Main wine regions
- 1
Gisborne
Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer
Sunny east coast: ripe, fruity Chardonnay.
- 2
Hawke's Bay
Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay
The warm red-wine heart of the country, especially the Gimblett Gravels.
- 3
Martinborough
Pinot Noir
Small region at the southern tip of the North Island; structured Pinot Noir.
- 4
Nelson
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, aromatic whites
Sunny artisan region on the north coast of the South Island.
- 5
Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
Around two-thirds of the country's vineyards: pungent, tropical Sauvignon Blanc.
- 6
Canterbury & Waipara
Riesling, Pinot Noir
Cool and dry; fine Riesling and Pinot.
- 7
Central Otago
Pinot Noir
The world's southernmost wine region: dramatic mountains and vivid, dark-fruited Pinot Noir.
Key grapes
Reading the label
Labels name grape and region. Screw caps are standard for almost all wines, including top reds.
Put it into practice
Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.