What's Hot: Wine Tasting

Photo © Destination Marlborough

Photo © Hawke's Bay Incorporated

Exquisite. Superb. Delectable. These are words that are often used to describe New Zealand wine. But no adjective even comes close to accurately summarising the first-class wine produced here. Many wine critics consider New Zealand sauvignon blanc as the world's finest, and our pinot noir is also fast gaining a worldwide reputation. Wineries are located throughout the country, and many of them conduct tours and tastings, and have cafés and restaurants where the wine is perfectly matched with your meal.

Started by European immigrants, New Zealand's thriving wine industry has grown rapidly, achieving great international success in a very short time. So what makes New Zealand wine so special? Our relatively cool climate and long autumn, during which the grapes can ripen slowly to a full flavour, is credited with being a key factor in the wine industry's success. Wine-making is relatively new here compared to the rest of the world, and Kiwi winemakers are constantly raising the bar.

Wine Tasting in the Hawke's Bay © Peter Burchell

Great New Zealand wines are known for their distinct taste profiles and intense flavour, and include the white varieties sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and riesling, bottle-fermented sparkling wines and red varieties cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir. These fine wines are a perfect complement to fresh New Zealand food and Pacific Rim cuisine.

Sauvignon blanc is our pride and joy, with its purity and clarity of flavour. North Island wines are more lush and fruity, while the South Island sauvignon blanc is more classical in style, with herbaceous overtones. The other rising star of New Zealand's wine-making scene is top-notch pinot noir.

Most wineries offer tastings and tours from knowledgeable guides, and purchases can often be made directly from the vineyard cellar. A fun way to get the most out of your wine-tasting excursion is by following a wine trail map (pick one up at your local i-SITE Information Centre) or join an organised wine tour.