On May 22, 12:42*pm, Mark Lipton > wrote:
> 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 Magazinehttp://cuisine.co.nz/
> Michael Cooper’s Wine Atlashttp://www.michaelcooper.co.nz/
> NZ Wine (On-line reference)http://www.nzwine.com/
> NZ.COM websitehttp://www.nzwine.com/
>
> --
> alt.food.wine FAQ: *http://winefaq.cwdjr.net

Thanks so much Mark. We will be trying to get to as many places as
possible but, because it is a cruise, Central Otago is out. Just too
far a trip from any of the cruise stops.