New Zealand Wine

New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned.

There are a number of distinct major winegrowing regions spread throughout New Zealand, with the majority on the East coast of the Islands in the rain shadow of the mountains.

New Zealand organic grape and wine production is on the rise, as more growers at every level of the industry turn to organic practices in their quest for sustainability. Vintage 2011 will see organic grapes harvested from over 1400 hectares of vines on 112 vineyards, over half of which are fully certified organic, with the rest certified in conversion to organic production.

New Zealand Wine – Pure Discovery

New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand wine is an experience like no other. Our special combination of soil, climate and water, our innovative pioneering spirit and our commitment to quality all come together to deliver pure, intense and diverse experiences. In every glass of New Zealand Wine is a world of pure discovery.

International acclaim 

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines.

Diverse styles 

New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain.

Temperate maritime climate 

New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive.

Food friendly wines 

New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from the traditional kitchens of France and Italy, as well as the exotic dishes of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Wine styles have evolved to complement this extensive menu. There are bright and zesty wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for fresh and subtly spiced dishes, while complex, mellow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends and Pinot Noir offer a timeless marriage with the classical dishes of Europe.

Ensuring the future 

New Zealand's small population, distant location and agricultural economy have earned the country a 'clean, green' image. Visitors often describe it as 'an unspoiled paradise'. New Zealand's winemakers and grape growers are determined to keep it this way. Innovative practices in the vineyard and winery, which deliver quality in a sustainable and environmental manner, ensure that New Zealand meets a growing world demand for wines that have been produced in a 'clean and green' fashion.There is a wonderful air of excitement and dynamism in New Zealand winemaking these days as vintners increasingly become aware that their unique combination of soil and climate make it possible to produce wine not only of superior quality, but also wines that taste distinctly different than the same varietals made elsewhere.

Despite all the different wines being made, when Americans think New Zealand wine, they still think sauvignon blanc.

In 2002 there were 398 wine companies in New Zealand; today there are 698. In 2002, they produced 89 million litres of vino; in 2011 they produced 235 million.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a great success story, a phenomenon really. Although the first vines were planted in Marlborough as recently as 1973 and the first wine made in commercial amounts in 1980, by the early ’90s, Sauvignon Blanc had become the country’s flagship wine. Soon after, it started to capture much attention and gain fans in the U.S. In doing so, it rejuvenated and redefined the Sauvignon Blanc category. Now its style is emulated by others worldwide.

Why? The wines have flair. The words often used to describe them are racy, zingy, zippy, zesty, bold, exuberant–all very upbeat, appealing qualities. The wines have distinctive, pungent, powerful aromas and flavors and lots of character and personality, occasionally even bordering on flamboyance. It’s a style that’s caught on like wildfire.

NZ wine regions 


New Zealand has 10 major wine-producing areas. The leading wine regions include Auckland, Gisborne, Wairarapa (Martinborough) and Hawke's Bay in the North Island, and Marlborough, Central Otago, Canterbury in the South Island. 

The grape varieties, soil structure and mini-climates in these geographical areas are varied, producing a broad spectrum of wines. 

Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay are New Zealand’s two premium wine-growing regions. 

Varieties produced include:

•       sauvignon blanc - Marlborough

•       pinot noir - Martinborough, Central Otago

•       cabernet - Hawke's Bay, Waiheke Island

•       chardonnay - Gisborne

•       pinot gris - Martinborough, Central Otago

New Zealand also produces outstanding Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines.

European inspiration 


Auckland is the founding region of New Zealand’s wine industry, and features more than 50 vineyards across a range of locations from West Auckland to the beautiful Waiheke Island. 

West Auckland was the first area to produce wine in New Zealand, driven by the Croatian community, who introduced New Zealand to their wine-loving way of life. Croatian and Dalmatian names are behind many of the best known labels in the Auckland area today, including Selaks, Babich and Villa Maria.

Ultimate Tourism offers specially designed wine tours to New Zealand with a personal touch. Contact us at info@ultimatetourism.com for more information