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New Zealand Wine

See the New Zealand Wine Stores we list.

New Zealand lies at a latitude of between 36 and 45 degrees in the Southern Hemisphere, making it the southernmost wine-growing country in the world. New Zealand has 10 major wine-growing regions spread across the North and South islands: together, these total 1000 miles (1609km) in length, and each region has their own unique growing conditions that influence the wide range of wine styles produced. These range from fruit-forward wines, best drunk young, to bold and characterful reds grown in the warmer parts of the country.

The vineyards are predominantly located on the coast, providing a maritime climate with sea breezes during the day and cool nights.

The country has earned global recognition for the distinct style of Sauvignon Blanc produced in Marlborough. Wines produced from other grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling have also set high standards.

The North Island's Hawkes Bay region is particularly suited for making Bordeaux Blend wines as well as high-quality Syrah. The oldest vineyard of New Zealand was planted by the Roman Catholic Church in Hawkes Bay in the mid-1800s. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the most extensively planted red-grape varieties in Auckland, Northland, Waikato-Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay.

Pinot Noir has become New Zealand’s second-largest export varietal (after Sauvignon Blanc) and was first produced in the Auckland region in the mid-1970s. Pinot Noir is now made in three main regions, each with their own distinctive style: Marlborough, Martinborough and Central Otago. Central Otago is New Zealand's highest and the world's most southerly wine region.