New Zealand Wine

New Zealand's Climate is perfect for a wide range of great wines. While you are in New Zealand you must visit some of our fine wineries and sample wine that you will be telling your friends about.

Please take some bottles home so you can share New Zealand's clean green taste home with you. As you drink these fine wines at home your New Zealand memories will flood back to you

New Zealand is famous for its stunning, unspoiled landscape. Along with the beauty New Zealand is becoming well know for its fine wines. Climate, geography and the skill of the world-class wine makers have combined to produce highly distinctive, top quality wines, which are all that can be expected from the clean green reputation New Zealand has.

The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated throughout the world as the definitive benchmark style for this varietal. The growing recognition for New Zealand Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, M'thode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends is helping to further cement New Zealand's position as a producer of world class wines.

New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. With wine growing regions spanning the latitudes of 36 to 45 degrees and covering the length of 1000 miles (1,600km), grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, producing a diverse array of styles. The northern hemisphere equivalent would run from Bordeaux (between the latitudes of 44 and 46 degrees) down to southern Spain.

New Zealand's temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards. The vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled at night by sea breezes. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive.

New Zealand's cuisine draws inspiration from the traditional kitchens of France and Italy, as well as the exotic dishes of our neighbours around the Asia and the Pacific Rim. Wine styles have evolved to compliment this extensive menu. There are bright and zesty wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for fresh and subtly spiced dishes, while complex, mellow Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends and Pinot Noir offer a timeless marriage with the classical dishes of Europe.

New Zealand's small population (4 million people), distant location and agricultural economy have earned the country a 'clean, green' image. Visitors often describe it as 'an unspoiled paradise'. New Zealand's winemakers and grape growers are determined to keep it this way. Innovative practices in the vineyard and winery that deliver quality in a sustainable and environmental manner ensure that New Zealand meets a growing world demand for wines that have been produced in a 'clean and green' fashion.