A relative newcomer to the wine world it still only produces 0.3 % of the global crop – serious cultivation dates only from the Eighties. New Zealand’s reputation rests almost entirely on its remarkable white wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape.  Kiwi wine makers, mainly in the South Island’sMarlboroughregion, produce wines full of stunningly clear flavours and astonishing crispness and acidity, helped by fertile soils and cool, bright climatic conditions. The warmerNorthIslandis renowned for more complex age-worthy wines. Red varietals such as world beating Pinot Noir and Syrah are coming to prominence too.

Look for:

 Martinborough (North Is) – ESCARPMENT, Larry McKenna renowned innovator of Pinot Noir in this region produces admired Burgundian style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Marlborough (South Is) – STANLEY ESTATE, Multi award winning Sauvignon Blanc and classic Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir in the Awatere Valley.

Waipara (South Is) – WAIPARA SPRINGS AND BASCAND ESTATE cooler climate, combined with long hot autumn period helps produce unique richer, spicier Pinot Noirs and Rieslings – regional specialties.

List of Producers for New Zealand

Wooing Tree

Stanley Estates

Bascand

Waipara Springs

Herringbone Hills

Escarpment