Looking for an amazing getaway or planning for an amazing adventure? Here are some tips for Visiting the Best Wine Regions of New Zealand
Visiting the Best Wine Regions of New Zealand
Did you know that there are more than two thousand vineyards in New Zealand? Although it is responsible for less than one percent of the world’s wine, many incredible varieties of wine are produced there, the most popular one being Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
Additionally, many of New Zealand’s wines find their way to the shelves of wine shops, such as https://www.ackerwines.com.
Because of that, if you are keen on going for a wine-themed holiday, New Zealand is a great choice. You can focus on one specific region or go on a journey across the whole country of New Zealand if you would like to see more of this beautiful land.
While the final decision is up to you, this article will help you decide which wine regions suit your tastes best! Here, you will find a list of the best wine regions of New Zealand, such as Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Wairarapa, North Canterbury, and Central Otago. Check it out, choose the one that you like best, and prepare for a wine-tasting adventure of a lifetime!
Marlborough
The name of this region may not ring a bell, but if you are familiar with sauvignon blanc, there is a chance that you have tried wine made from grapes grown in Marlborough. It has been growing grapes for more than one hundred years, and about 80 percent of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc comes from this region! If you are into sauvignon blanc and are looking for the best of the best, this is definitely the place to visit.
Marlborough is the largest wine-producing region in New Zealand, and it is where some of the best wineries are located. If you would like to learn more about the history of grape-growing in this region, you can check out the Cloudy Bay Vineyards and the New Zealand Wine Centre in Blenheim, Marlborough. There, you will be able to sample the wines produced by the most famous Marlborough wineries.
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is the second-largest wine-producing region in New Zealand, and it is known for its exceptional chardonnay, merlot, and pinot noir. One of the attractions you can find at this place is wine tours in classic cars. If you love pinot noir, it can be an excellent opportunity to sample some of the best wines from this region!
The best time to visit Hawke’s Bay and every other wine region in New Zealand is the harvest season. Most vineyards organize tours and tastings during this period. You can take part in one on your own or with a guide. You can go for a wine tour with lunch included, too! Whatever you choose, you should have a great time there.
Some of Hawke’s Bay’s most important wine regions are Te Mata Peak, Mission Estate Winery, Craggy Range, and Villa Maria Gimblett Gravels. Their wines are not cheap, but they are worth every cent. If you want to buy a few bottles to take home with you, this is the place where you should go shopping!
Gisborne
Gisborne is located on the east cape of New Zealand’s North Island, and it has been producing fine wines for more than a hundred years. It is a region that is famous for its chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, but it is known for producing excellent pinot gris and gewürztraminer, too.
Gisborne produces a small amount of wine, but its sauvignon blanc is considered to be among the top wines from New Zealand. If you are a fan of good wine and breathtaking vineyard sites, Gisborne is going to be a wonderful place to check out!
Wairarapa
Wairarapa is a small wine-producing region in New Zealand, located on the southeast coast of North Island. It produces both red and white wines, and while it makes less than a quarter of New Zealand’s wines, its sauvignon blanc is among the most popular wines on the market. If you would like to enjoy a few outstanding wines of this variety, traveling to Wairarapa is going to be a great idea!
North Canterbury
North Canterbury is home to one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand — Pegasus Bay Winery. The owners are committed to producing 100 percent organic wines, and they use biodynamic viticulture to achieve this goal. It means that they use natural remedies instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
If you would like to know more about the process of making organic wine, visiting Pegasus Bay Winery in North Canterbury is an excellent idea. Besides, this region’s cool and dry climate will surprise you with a wide variety of intense wine flavors.
Central Otago
Central Otago is a small wine-producing region in New Zealand, but it is one of the most beautiful ones. It is located on the South Island, and many people say that it looks like Tuscany. There are two primary varieties grown here — pinot noir and pinot gris. If you would like to learn more about both of these varieties and taste some vivid white wines, visiting Central Otago during harvest season is something you should do!
Northland
Northland is a region located in the northernmost part of New Zealand. The temperature here is similar to those you can expect in a subtropical climate, but that does not mean that it is not suitable for growing grapes. In fact, vines have been grown in this region for many years. The most popular variety grown here is chardonnay. If you would like to sample great wines of this variety and explore what wine can be produced in such a unique climate, visiting Northland is a great idea.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! Seven wonderful wine-producing regions in New Zealand! It is a great country for those who enjoy drinking and sampling wine. The best part is that it does not matter which area you travel to,. As the wine-producing regions are spread throughout the country, and each of these regions will offer you something special.
If you are keen on learning more about the winemaking process and tasting some of the best wines from New Zealand, visiting one or several of these regions will turn out to be an unforgettable experience for you. Just pick an area you would like to see in the first place, and start planning your trip. Good lu
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