Although history will show that the first grapes were planted by English
settlers in the early 1800s, the modern history of the NZ wine industry
started with the planting of Vitis Vinifera grapes in the late 1960s to
early 1970's. However, it was the release of Cloudy Bay's 1985
(Marlborough) Sauvignon Blanc that first placed NZ on the world's
winemaking map.
In the fifteen years since 1997 , NZ wine industry has undergone a
period of spectacular development. In 1997 there were less than 7,000
hectares under vine: by the end of 2011 the national total was more than
33,600 hectares – some 56% of those planting in Marlborough.
Today, there are some 700 wineries - it should be noted that 600 are
smaller producers (less than 20,000 cases per year). Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc accounts for over 50% of NZs annual wine production,
while Pinot Noir (both volume and quality) has improved greatly in the
past five years. Some excellent examples of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Syrah
are to be found – and do not be surprised to find some gorgeous
Gewürztraminer, vivacious Viognier, beautiful Bordeaux blends as well as
the occasional Arneis; Chenin Blanc; Grüner Veltliner; Pinot Blanc;
Malbec; Montepulciano; Sangiovese or Tempranillo.
Since 2007 there has been a strong commitment to both, sustainable
production in vineyards and wineries, and organic programmes. It is
estimated that over 94% of the producing vineyard area is participating
in the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) initiative and a
further 3-5% is producing under certified organic programmes.
Participation in organic production is anticipated to continue to
increase over the next decade in all likelihood reaching 20% by 2020.
Despite the distances involved, New Zealand is truly an excellent wine
destination.
Auckland International is about 26 hours from London Heathrow; 13 hours
direct from LAX and 3-3.5 from Australia’s east coast.
International travellers will typically arrive early in the morning, so
plan on taking the rest of the day to rest and recuperate, although
there are a few wineries based in and around Auckland city (and Waiheke
Island) to visit.
Owing to a lack of suitable public transport (servicing wine-making
regions) driving is virtually the only option available to the intrepid
visitor. IMPORTANT NOTE: DRIVING IS ON THE LEFT and speed limits are
rigorously monitored with speed cameras.
In Auckland, Hawkes Bay & Marlborough mini-bus wine tours are available
(generally only on weekends). Rental cars are plentiful and inexpensive
– Google search and reserve on-line.
NZ comprises two main islands, both of which contain several winemaking
regions. From the far north to Central Otago stretches 1,000 miles
(1,600km) - so a tour can take as little as four / five days (Hawkes Bay
/ Marlborough) or a couple of weeks.
The main wine regions in the North Island are Hawke's Bay (Syrah,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay) and Martinborough (Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris); while Marlborough (Sauvignon Blanc,
Riesling & Pinot Noir) and Central Otago (Pinot Noir, Riesling & Pinot
Gris) are the key areas on the South Island. The most popular mode of
accommodation is the (self contained) Motel; however, a range of hotels,
B&Bs etc are available around the country. Reservations, while
recommended, are mandatory only during peak holiday seasons (December -
February). Many wineries do not have visitor facilities; those that do
welcome visitors, generally without reservation. Tasting is normally
free (those that do charge will refund off purchase). Respectfully, it
is suggested that a phone call explaining that you are an overseas
visitor may pay dividends, with a private tour and chat to the
winemaker. Point out that you may not be purchasing - this is acceptable
in the case of an overseas visitor - you will still get an A1 reception.

NORTH ISLAND

HAWKES BAY: A comfortable drive four hour drive from Auckland, through
the thermal region of Rotorua. Stay on Napier’s waterfront, where the
architecture is distinctly Art Deco, owing to the rebuild of the city
following a major earthquake in 1931. Drive to the top of Te Mata peak
for spectacular views of the area.

Wineries:
Church Road Wines: Pernod Ricard's Hawkes Bay HQ, al fresco Lunches, museum
C J Pask Wines: Syrah
Craggy Range: Showcase winery. Stunning Syrah.
Esk Valley Wines: High quality Bordeaux blends. The Terraces (Malbec) is
iconic.
Sileni Estates: Epicurean Centre (Carefully matched cheese & wine
tasting); Olive oils.
Stonecroft Wines: Excellent Syrah, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay
Te Mata Estate: Iconic NZ Cabernet/Merlot (Coleraine). Not so much a
visit as a pilgrimage.
Trinity Hill – One of NZs finest Syrahs (Homage)

Dining:
Brookfield Vineyards - Luncheon restaurant
Clearview Estate - al fresco dining near the sea.
Craggy Range - Restaurant

MARTINBOROUGH: A little over an hours drive north of Wellington,
boutique wineries abound. Pinot capital of NZ.

Wineries:
Ata Rangi: Top class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris
Martinborough Vineyards: Classy Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling
Dry River: True legend - Cellar door by appointment – Pinot Noir, Pinot
Gris, Gewürztraminer all icons.
Palliser Estate: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, very good Sauvignon Blanc
Murdoch James Estate: Organic Pinot Noir.

Dining:
Murdoch James Estate: Café lunches.

Lodging:
Murdoch James Estate: Original farmhouse cottage – self contained.



SOUTH ISLAND

MARLBOROUGH: While being the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc,
Marlborough offers some special fine dining experiences. If you have
“done” the North Island first, take the three hour ferry trip from
Wellington – the difference between the two islands is amazing.

Wineries:
Allan Scott Wines: Excellent white wines; courtyard lunch venue.
Cloudy Bay: Iconic Sauvignon Blanc. A must visit.
Highfield Estate & Restaurant: Very nice bubbles
Johanneshof Cellars: NZs most awarded Gewürztraminer
Lawson's Dry Hills Wines: Very good Sauvignon Blanc & Gewürztraminer
Pernod Ricard Visitor Cent Restaurant, retail store, tasting rooms
and wine education facility.
Villa Maria Marlborough Winery: Large visitor centre
Wairau River Wines: Ageworthy Sauvignon Blanc
Wither Hills: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris.

Dining:
Allan Scott Wines: Vineyard Restaurant
Herzog Winery & Restaurant: Best winery restaurant in NZ – prepare to
indulge.
Herzog Cellar Door Bistro: Casual lunches in garden environment
Highfield Estate & Restaurant
Saint Clair Estate Wines: Café lunches.
Wairau River Wines: Good winery restaurant

Lodging:
Hans Herzog Vineyard Cottage – on the estate.

CANTERBURY: The recent earthquakes may have devastated the city of
Christchurch, but the coastal drive south from Marlborough is
magnificent. Stop for crayfish (NZ rock lobster) in Kaikoura – and make
the left turn to Pegasus Bay.

Wineries:
Bell Hill Vineyard: By appointment only; highly rated Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir
Mud House Winery & Café: Classy Sauvignon Blanc producer (Marlborough)
Pegasus Bay: Canterbury’s top winery - Excellent Riesling, Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay
Pyramid Valley: very good Pinot Noir and other interesting wines

Dining:
Pegasus Bay: Top rated winery restaurant


CENTRAL OTAGO: The nearest NZ has to a continental climate. Adventure
capital of the world! Vying with Martinborough as Pinot paradise. Winter
is for skiers, while autumn (late April), simply a kaleidoscope of
colour in the valleys and villages around the mountains and lakes, is
best time to visit.

Wineries:
Amisfield Wine Company: Classy Pinot Noir
Felton Road Wines: Top notch bio-dynamic producer of Pinot Noir,
Riesling and Chardonnay.
Gibbston Valley: Tourist centre – wines include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Mt. Difficulty: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling.
Quartz Reef: Impressive Traditional Method sparkling, Pinot Gris
Peregrine Wines: Stunning architecture – Pinot Noir; Riesling.

Dining:
Amisfield Bistro: Lunch and early dinner
Gibbston Valley: Winery restaurant & cheesery
Mt. Difficulty Wines: Restaurant open for lunches.


Good references:

Cuisine Magazine http://cuisine.co.nz/
Michael Cooper’s Wine Atlas http://www.michaelcooper.co.nz/
NZ Wine (On-line reference) http://www.nzwine.com/
NZ.COM website http://www.nzwine.com/


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alt.food.wine FAQ: http://winefaq.cwdjr.net