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Celebrate New Zealand’s love affair with wine

Celebrate New Zealand’s love affair with wine

New Zealand cemented its reputation as a world-class red wine-producing country with a Pinot Noir and a Syrah on the list. Coal Pit Tiwha Pinot Noir, 2018, from Central Otago, was awarded both the New Zealand Red Trophy and Sustainable Trophy, whilst Church Road 1 Syrah 2017 took the International Syrah Trophy. Church Road made the 30 best lists twice, with Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay taking home the New Zealand White Trophy.

Crafted with heart

New Zealand’s love affair with the fruit of the vine continues today, and the industry is flourishing, boasting over 2000 vineyards across the country.

Whether you are a dedicated oenophile looking for the elegantly refined or a casual lover searching for the consummately quaffable, there is a region, varietal, and vintage to suit. Wine trails, tours, and events abound. New Zealand is the perfect wine-lovers destination, from formal tastings and pairings to a glass and a laugh with close friends.

1. Craggy Range

One of the best moments in New Zealand, Craggy Range not only has an inspirational cellar door but is renowned for its outstanding food.

A pure expression of New Zealand nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, you can sample select glasses of their premium vintages paired with an extraordinary dining experience. Indulge in fine cuisine as you look out over the vineyard nestled against the spectacular backdrop of Te Mata Peak. Then, deepen the knowledge by staying amongst the vines in one of the vineyards’ boutique cottages or luxury lodges.

2. Amisfield

Named the best winery in New Zealand in the last two years running, Amisfield reflects the spirit and heart of Central Otago.

Masters in the art of winemaking, the vineyard cultivates the nuances of its geography, weather, and soil to produce distinctive vintages that speak to the region's character. So take a break and enjoy the luxurious yet rustic atmosphere of this essential food and wine destination as you enjoy genuine New Zealand hospitality and breath-taking scenery and partake of fresh regional ingredients crafted into culinary works of art.

3. Cloudy Bay

Embrace the unknown and enjoy a private tour of one of the first preeminent vineyards in Marlborough, the country’s finest wine region.

Cloudy Bay is passionate about creating wine, Its winemakers work hand-in-hand with nature to distil its character into aromatic and flavourful Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir vintages that express the best of the region. The cellar door, nestled in the Marlborough countryside, is situated right at the winery and provides an authentic New Zealand wine experience.

Alternatively, visit their cellar door in Central Otago, overlooking the splendour of Lake Dunstan and the Southern Alps. Tour the vineyard and enjoy a tasting flight in the comfortable, warm atmosphere of the Cloudy Bay Shed, or indulge in the breath-taking outdoor vistas as you savour the creations.

4. Two Paddocks

If you’re looking for a more star-struck experience, visit Two Paddocks, and explore the labour of love created by actor and proprietor Sam Neil.

This small family-owned vineyard in Central Otago is dedicated to producing quality organic wines that boast New Zealand authenticity and style. Pinot Noir and Riesling are their passion, and you can visit one of their four vineyards, one in each of the great valleys of the region, and sample wines crafted from the heart and designed to be enjoyed by family friends.

5. Tantalus Estate

Take a flight for an exclusive heli-wine experience to Waiheke Island, and enjoy the sights of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the air as you fly to the iconic winery at Tantalus Estate.

Situated in the heart of Waiheke Island’s wine country, Tantalus Estate produces rich, complex Bordeaux and Rhone-style reds perfect for cellaring. Spend the day wandering among the vines, tasting the small-batch vintages, or enjoy fine cuisine in the airy light surrounds of the Tantalus Estate Restaurant as you look out over the lush vineyards.

6. Queenstown Heli-wine Tasting

Take in the majestic scenery of Queenstown and Central Otago with an exclusive wine adventure in the high alpine country.

Enjoy stunning views as you soar over beautiful valleys, rugged gorges, and snow-capped mountains and are transported on a wine-tasting journey like no other. Touch down to sample local offerings and picnic in remote alpine meadows as you indulge in a private tasting surrounded by the region's natural beauty.

Hidden gems

You can wander off the beaten track while travelling and still find boutique vineyards and hidden gems that offer unique tastings and wine experiences. In addition to the more significant, more renowned wine regions, many smaller regions scattered across the country are well-known for their boutique vineyards. Each adds their unique note to the symphony of New Zealand winemaking.

  • Discover Nelson with its vibrant art and café culture, many of which are conveniently nestled within a nearby cellar door. The compact size of this small region makes it easy to visit most wineries within a day, even by bicycle.
  • Christchurch and Canterbury pride themselves on their foodie culture, and the fertile land and pristine waterways yield some delectable fare. You will find food and wine trails, culinary pairings, and gourmet delights dotting the region.
  • Frolic along the sea as you visit the sunny, warm shores of Northland, its almost subtropical climate and long growing season yielding full-bodied, rich wines in red and white varietals.
  • Investigate the unique terroir of the Waitaki Valley in North Otago, where the hot, dry summers, cold winters, and long dry autumns combine with the limestone and complex geology of the region to produce distinctive vintages that reflect their unique origin.
  • Enjoy the warm climate and sunny days of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, where small pockets of vineyards dot the landscape, celebrating Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Many overlook Wairarapa in their rush to Wellington and miss out on its warm character, charming towns, and boutique wineries. Luckily this lovely region is just a short scenic drive from the capital, allowing visitors to enjoy the wine activities, unique accommodations, and superb dining.
  • Gisborne is the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand and is notable for its history – this is where Captain Cook first stepped onto our shores in 1769. The region has a wealth of wineries within an easy 15 minutes of the city, which attracts visitors looking to relax and enjoy the laid-back beachy atmosphere.
Made with passion

No matter where your adventures take you in New Zealand, vineyards, cellar doors, and wine activities are just waiting to be explored. Our love of wine and the art of winemaking shines through everything we do.