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New Zealand

From Marlborough to Central Otago: Pure Expression in the Land of the Long White Cloud

New Zealand Wine Overview

Classification System

Geographical Indications (2017)

18 GIs Defined regions
85% Rule Minimum content
Estate Winery-owned land
Single Vineyard 100% from site
Reserve No legal definition

Sustainability

World leader

SWNZ 96% certified
Organic BioGro certified
Biodynamic Demeter certified
Carbon Neutral 2050 goal
Screwcap 90%+ adoption

Industry Overview

42,000 ha Total vineyard
72% Sauvignon Blanc
500M L Production
$2B NZD Export value
700+ Wineries

Wine Industry Development

1819

First Vines

Samuel Marsden plants

1970s

Modern Era

Marlborough planted

1973

Montana

First Marlborough vines

1985

Cloudy Bay

International fame

1990s

Export Boom

Sauvignon success

2001

Screwcap Initiative

Quality revolution

2010s

Pinot Excellence

World recognition

2020+

Climate Focus

Sustainability leader

Production Statistics

77%
Marlborough
Regional dominance
86%
Export
International focus
120km
Max Distance
Vineyard to ocean
40%
UV Intensity
Higher than Europe
#1
Sauvignon Blanc
Global benchmark
96%
Sustainable
World leader

Marlborough

New Zealand's flagship region - 77% of production

Wairau Valley

Sauvignon Capital

The heart of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Largest sub-region with alluvial plains and free-draining soils. Cool nights and sunny days create the classic Marlborough style.

Soils Alluvial
Climate Maritime
Rainfall 650mm
Style Intense, tropical

Key Areas

Rapaura Classic Sauvignon Blanc
Fairhall Quality Pinot Noir
Renwick Heart of production
Lower Wairau Rich, ripe styles

Top Producers

Cloudy Bay International icon
Greywacke Kevin Judd excellence
Dog Point Organic pioneer
Huia Biodynamic leader

QPR Champions

White
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
$12
White
Oyster Bay Sauvignon
$8
White
Matua Sauvignon Blanc
$10

Awatere Valley

Cooler Alternative

Cooler, windier, and drier than Wairau. Higher natural acidity with more mineral, less tropical fruit expression. Diverse soils from gravels to clay.

Climate Cool, dry
Wind Constant
Style Mineral, citrus
Soils Varied

Top Producers

Yealands Sustainable pioneer
Astrolabe Sub-regional specialist
Vavasour Awatere pioneer

QPR Champions

White
Yealands Estate Sauvignon
$10
White
Astrolabe "Province"
$13

Southern Valleys

New Frontier

Cool climate with clay soils in protected valleys. Premium Pinot Noir emerging alongside complex Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic varieties.

Key Valleys: Omaka, Fairhall, Brancott, Ben Morven
Specialists: Fromm (Pinot), Churton, Framingham

Central Otago

World's southernmost wine region - Pinot Noir paradise

Gibbston

Valley of Vines

The pioneering valley - coolest and highest sub-region (320-420m). First commercial plantings in 1981 with continental climate and schist soils.

Elevation 320-420m
Climate Continental
Soils Schist
Style Elegant, refined

Top Producers

Gibbston Valley Regional pioneer
Chard Farm Dramatic location
Valli Grant Taylor project
Peregrine Architectural icon

QPR Champions

Red
Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir
$25
Red
Chard Farm "River Run"
$22

Bannockburn

The Heart

Warmest and driest sub-region - the "heart of the desert." Intense sun with dramatic diurnal variation and complex soils producing powerful, concentrated Pinot Noir.

Climate Semi-arid
Rainfall 400mm
Soils Schist, loess
Style Powerful, complex

Top Producers

Felton Road Biodynamic icon
Mt. Difficulty Regional leader
Carrick Organic excellence
Terra Sancta Single vineyard focus

QPR Champions

Red
Mt. Difficulty "Roaring Meg"
$20
Red
Carrick Pinot Noir
$28

Other Sub-Regions

Bendigo: Extreme continental, Quartz Reef
Cromwell/Lowburn: Lake influence, Misha's Vineyard
Wanaka: Cool, elegant, Rippon
Waitaki Valley: Limestone, Pyramid Valley

North Island Regions

Hawke's Bay

Bordeaux of NZ

New Zealand's oldest wine region and second largest. Warm, dry climate with diverse soils including the famous Gimblett Gravels. Specializes in Bordeaux blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

Founded 1851
Climate Maritime
Soils Diverse
Specialty Bordeaux blends

Sub-Regions

Gimblett Gravels Premium reds, alluvial soils
Bridge Pa Triangle Diverse styles
Te Awanga Coastal, aromatic whites
Esk Valley Hillside sites

Top Producers

Te Mata Coleraine icon
Craggy Range Le Sol, Sophia
Trinity Hill Homage Syrah
Elephant Hill Coastal excellence

QPR Champions

White
Sacred Hill "Whitecliff"
$12
Red
Trinity Hill Syrah
$16
Red
Esk Valley Red
$14

Wairarapa (Martinborough)

Boutique Excellence

Small production, high quality region with cool, dry climate. Free-draining alluvial terraces perfect for Pinot Noir. Martinborough Terrace is the sweet spot.

Size 3% of NZ
Climate Cool, dry
Specialty Pinot Noir
Style Burgundian

Top Producers

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir icon
Dry River Legendary quality
Escarpment Single vineyard focus
Kusuda Japanese precision

QPR Champions

Red
Te Kairanga Pinot Noir
$20
Red
Palliser Estate Pinot
$22

Other North Island Regions

Gisborne: Chardonnay capital, Millton (biodynamic)
Waiheke Island: Bordeaux blends, Stonyridge, Man O' War
Kumeu: Kumeu River Chardonnay excellence
Matakana: Pinot Gris, Syrah focus

Other South Island Regions

Nelson

Boutique Diversity

Sunniest region with diverse microclimates and boulder-strewn soils. Small producers with artisanal focus.

Specialties: Pinot Noir, aromatics, Chardonnay
Producers: Neudorf, Brightwater, Seifried

QPR Champions

White
Seifried Sauvignon Blanc
$10

Canterbury/Waipara Valley

Cool Climate Star

Cool, dry climate with northwest winds providing warmth. Limestone and gravel soils perfect for Pinot Noir and aromatics.

Icons: Pegasus Bay, Pyramid Valley (biodynamic)
Quality: Greystone, Black Estate, Bell Hill

QPR Champions

Red
Main Divide Pinot Noir
$18
White
Waipara Hills Riesling
$12

Key Grape Varieties

From iconic Sauvignon Blanc to world-class Pinot Noir

Sauvignon Blanc

National Icon

New Zealand's calling card representing 72% of production. Distinctive style with intense aromatics, high acidity, passion fruit, gooseberry, grass, and jalapeño notes.

Share 72% of vines
Best Region Marlborough
Style Intense, zingy
Recognition Global benchmark

Regional Style Spectrum

Marlborough
Classic Expression Tropical, herbaceous, zingy acidity
Awatere
Mineral Focus Citrus, less tropical, higher acidity
Nelson
Riper Style Rounder, stone fruit character
North Island
Fuller Body Richer, less intense aromatics

Best Examples

Cloudy Bay International icon
Greywacke "Wild" Wild ferment complexity
Dog Point "Section 94" Single vineyard excellence

Premium Red Varieties

Pinot Noir

New Zealand's red pride

5,800 ha Total plantings
Central Otago Powerful, dark fruit
Martinborough Elegant, savory
Icons Felton Road, Ata Rangi

Bordeaux Varieties

Hawke's Bay specialists

Merlot Gimblett Gravels star
Cabernet Sauvignon Warmest sites only
Cabernet Franc Rising star
Top Blends Coleraine, Sophia

Syrah

Northern Rhône style

500 ha Limited plantings
Hawke's Bay Primary region
Style Pepper, violets
Icons Bullnose, Homage

Other Key Varieties

Premium Whites

Quality Focus
Chardonnay 3,100 ha
Pinot Gris 2,400 ha
Riesling Exceptional quality

Best Chardonnay: Kumeu River, Te Mata, Neudorf

Styles: Crisp unoaked to rich Burgundian

Aromatic Varieties

Emerging Stars
Gewürztraminer Gisborne specialty
Albariño Emerging variety
Grüner Veltliner Experimental success

Regions: Gisborne, Central Otago, Waipara

Trend: Alternative varieties gaining ground

Sustainability & Natural Wine

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand

SWNZ - 96% Certified

World leader in sustainability with 96% of vineyard area certified. Comprehensive program covering environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Coverage 96% certified
Founded 1997
Goal Carbon neutral 2050
Members 1,800+

Key Requirements

Spray Records Complete documentation
Soil Management Health monitoring
Water Use Efficiency measures
Biodiversity Habitat protection

Certified Organic

Millton Pioneer since 1984
Seresin Marlborough leader
Quartz Reef Central Otago
Black Estate Canterbury

Biodynamic

Pyramid Valley Canterbury icon
Felton Road Central Otago
Millton Gisborne
Seresin Marlborough

Natural Wine

Cambridge Road Martinborough pioneer
Kindeli Nelson, Alex Craighead
Don's Pét-nat specialist
Supernatural Hawke's Bay

Food & Wine Pairing

Kai & wine - where Pacific Rim meets pure expression

New Zealand Pairing Philosophy

Kia Ora

Pure Expression

Vibrant Wines Intense flavors
Cool Climate Bright acidity
Sauvignon Blanc World benchmark

Pacific Fusion

Māori Heritage Hāngī tradition
Asian Influence Fusion cuisine
Seafood Nation Ocean bounty

Clean & Green

Sustainable 96% certified
Farm to Table Local focus
Premium Quality Small production

Iconic Kiwi Pairings

🦪
Bluff Oysters + Sauvignon Blanc
National treasure
🐑
Lamb Rack + Hawke's Bay Syrah
Perfect harmony
🦌
Venison + Central Otago Pinot
Regional pride
🦞
Crayfish + Marlborough Chardonnay
Coastal luxury
🥧
Pavlova + Late Harvest Riesling
Sweet classic
🐚
Green-lipped Mussels + Albariño
Marlborough magic

Traditional New Zealand Cuisine

Classic Kiwi Dishes

Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce
Hawke's Bay Bordeaux blend, Syrah, Merlot
Fish and Chips
Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, sparkling
Meat Pie
Pinot Noir, Syrah, GSM blend
Sausage Rolls
Rosé, light reds, Beaujolais-style
Shepherd's Pie
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Bacon and Egg Pie
Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, rosé
Cheese Rolls (Southland Sushi)
Riesling, Gewürztraminer
Whitebait Fritters
Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño
Colonial Goose
Pinot Noir, aged reds
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Noble sweet wines, botrytis
ANZAC Biscuits
Tawny-style, fortified
Lamingtons
Late harvest, Moscato-style

Māori & Pacific Cuisine

Hāngī (Earth oven feast)
Pinot Noir, Syrah, aromatic whites
Boil-up (Pork & Puha)
Pinot Gris, medium-bodied reds
Rewena Bread
Light wines, versatile pairing
Kina (Sea urchin)
Grüner Veltliner, mineral whites
Paua (Abalone)
Chardonnay, rich whites
Muttonbird (Tītī)
Pinot Noir, earthy reds
Kumara (Sweet potato)
Viognier, aromatic whites
Pikopiko (Fern fronds)
Sauvignon Blanc, herbaceous whites
Kawakawa-seasoned dishes
Aromatic whites, Gewürztraminer
Tuna (Eel)
Rich whites, aged Chardonnay
Pipi/Tuatua (Shellfish)
Albariño, crisp whites
Raw Fish (Ika mata)
Sauvignon Blanc, citrusy whites

Seafood & Coastal

Bluff Oysters
Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, Chablis-style
Green-lipped Mussels
Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino
Crayfish (Rock Lobster)
Chardonnay, Viognier, rich whites
Snapper
Pinot Gris, rosé, light whites
John Dory
Chardonnay, white Burgundy-style
Terakihi
Riesling, Grüner Veltliner
Blue Cod
Sauvignon Blanc, crisp whites
Kingfish Sashimi
Albariño, Vermentino
Smoked Kahawai
Pinot Gris, aromatic whites
Scallops
Chardonnay, Champagne
Flounder
Pinot Blanc, delicate whites
Salmon (King/Chinook)
Pinot Noir, rosé, rich whites

Modern Kiwi Cuisine

Venison Wellington
Central Otago Pinot Noir, Syrah
Duck Confit
Pinot Noir, Syrah, aged reds
Lamb Shanks
Hawke's Bay reds, Bordeaux blends
Pork Belly
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Beef Short Ribs
Syrah, Malbec, bold reds
Wild Boar
Syrah, Tempranillo blends
Rabbit
Pinot Noir, light reds
Goat Cheese Salad
Sauvignon Blanc, rosé
Beetroot Risotto
Pinot Noir, earthy wines
Truffle Dishes
Aged Chardonnay, premium Pinot
Asian Fusion
Aromatic whites, off-dry styles
Farm-to-Table Seasonal
Natural wines, minimal intervention

New Zealand Wine Styles Guide

Wine-First Approach

Sauvignon Blanc Styles

Marlborough Classic Oysters, green salads, goat cheese, asparagus, seafood, sushi, herbs, tropical fruits
Awatere Valley (Herbaceous) Green vegetables, pesto, herbs, vegetarian dishes, Asian greens
Wairau Valley (Tropical) Ceviche, Thai cuisine, tropical salads, grilled prawns
Nelson (Elegant) Delicate fish, light salads, fresh cheeses, aperitif
Martinborough (Complex) Richer seafood, creamy dishes, aged goat cheese
Wild Ferment/Barrel-aged Roasted chicken, cream sauces, smoked fish, complex preparations
Late Harvest Blue cheese, foie gras, fruit desserts, spicy Asian
Sparkling Sauvignon Oysters, canapés, celebrations, brunch dishes

Pinot Noir Styles

Central Otago (Bold) Venison, duck, game meats, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses, winter dishes
Martinborough (Savory) Lamb, beef, earthy dishes, truffle, charcuterie, aged meats
Marlborough (Elegant) Salmon, tuna, lighter meats, spring vegetables, soft cheeses
Canterbury/Waipara (Structured) Roasted meats, root vegetables, hearty stews, autumn dishes
Nelson (Fragrant) Asian fusion, aromatic dishes, duck, lighter game
Wairarapa (Complex) Fine dining, aged meats, sophisticated preparations
Rosé Style Charcuterie, salmon, summer salads, Mediterranean cuisine
Single Vineyard Special occasions, premium ingredients, cellar-worthy pairings

Other White Varieties

Chardonnay (Hawke's Bay) Lobster, creamy pasta, roasted chicken, buttery dishes, corn
Chardonnay (Marlborough) Seafood, lighter preparations, citrus dishes, fresh style
Chardonnay (Gisborne) Tropical fruits, rich fish, creamy sauces, full-bodied style
Pinot Gris Asian cuisine, pork, aromatic dishes, spiced foods, autumn fruits
Riesling (Dry) Asian fusion, seafood, light meats, vegetarian dishes
Riesling (Off-dry/Sweet) Spicy foods, Thai cuisine, blue cheese, desserts
Gewürztraminer Asian spices, aromatic dishes, strong cheeses, exotic cuisine
Albariño Mussels, seafood platters, tapas, coastal cuisine
Grüner Veltliner Vegetables, salads, Austrian-style dishes, light fare
Viognier Spiced dishes, apricot flavors, creamy preparations

Red Varieties

Syrah (Hawke's Bay) Lamb, pepper-crusted meats, BBQ, winter stews, game, aged cheeses
Syrah (Waiheke Island) Premium meats, special occasions, Mediterranean dishes
Merlot/Cabernet (Hawke's Bay) Beef, lamb roasts, classic pairings, Sunday dinner
Malbec BBQ meats, hearty stews, winter comfort foods
Cabernet Franc Herbs, vegetables, lighter meats, green pepper notes
Tempranillo blends Spanish-style dishes, charcuterie, aged meats
Montepulciano Italian cuisine, pizza, pasta, casual dining
GSM Blends Mediterranean food, spiced dishes, hearty fare

Sparkling & Dessert Wines

Méthode Traditionnelle Oysters, celebrations, canapés, fine dining, brunch
Pét-Nat Casual dining, picnics, light foods, natural wine bars
Late Harvest Riesling Fruit desserts, pavlova, blue cheese, spicy foods
Noble/Botrytis wines Foie gras, premium desserts, aged cheeses, meditation
Sticky/Sweet wines Desserts, cheese course, after dinner, special occasions
Fortified styles Chocolate, nuts, aged cheeses, winter evenings

Regional Terroir Expressions

Marlborough Seafood-friendly wines, vibrant acidity, perfect for coastal cuisine
Central Otago Mountain wines for hearty dishes, game, winter foods
Hawke's Bay Full-bodied wines for red meats, traditional roasts
Martinborough Elegant wines for fine dining, sophisticated pairings
Waiheke Island Premium wines for special occasions, Mediterranean style
Canterbury Plains Cool climate wines, versatile food matching
Nelson Aromatic wines for fusion cuisine, artistic pairings
Gisborne Rich wines for creamy dishes, tropical flavors

New Zealand Cheese & Artisan Products

Kai Artisan

Artisan Cheeses

Kapiti Kikorangi Blue Late harvest Riesling, Port-style
Whitestone Windsor Blue Noble sweet wines, Sauternes-style
Mt. Eliza Red Leicester Pinot Noir, medium reds
Karikaas Aged Gouda Syrah, bold reds
Clevedon Buffalo Mozzarella Sauvignon Blanc, light whites
Zany Zeus Haloumi Rosé, crisp whites
Cranky Goat Chèvre Sauvignon Blanc, Loire-style
Cwmglyn Farmhouse Chardonnay, aged whites
Mahoe Aged Cheddar Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends

Charcuterie & Meats

Manuka-smoked Bacon Pinot Noir, Syrah
Wild Venison Salami Central Otago Pinot
Free-range Pork Terrine Pinot Gris, aromatic whites
Lamb Bresaola Hawke's Bay reds
Wagyu Beef Jerky Bold reds, Malbec
Hot-smoked Salmon Chardonnay, Viognier
Duck Prosciutto Pinot Noir, aged reds
Chorizo Tempranillo blends
Merino Lamb Rack Premium Syrah

Local Produce

Manuka Honey Dessert wines, late harvest
Feijoas Aromatic whites, Gewürztraminer
Kiwifruit Sauvignon Blanc, light wines
Tamarillo Pinot Noir, fruity reds
Central Otago Cherries Pinot Noir, rosé
Nelson Apples Riesling, crisp whites
Avocados Albariño, Vermentino
Black Truffles (Canterbury) Aged Chardonnay, premium Pinot

Quick Pairing Reference

By Food Category

Red Meats

Lamb Rack Hawke's Bay Syrah
Beef Fillet Cabernet Sauvignon
Venison Central Otago Pinot
Wild Boar Syrah, GSM
Rabbit Pinot Noir
Duck Pinot Noir, Syrah
Wagyu Beef Premium reds

Seafood

Oysters Sauvignon Blanc
Mussels Albariño
Crayfish Chardonnay
Salmon Pinot Noir rosé
Snapper Pinot Gris
Paua Rich whites
Kingfish Vermentino

Desserts

Pavlova Late Harvest Riesling
Hokey Pokey Noble sweet
Lemon Tart Sweet Riesling
Chocolate Desserts Port-style
Fruit Crumble Moscato-style
Cheese Board Varied wines
Sticky Date Pudding Botrytis wines

Seasonal New Zealand Wine Guide

Four Seasons
🌸 Spring
September-November Fresh whites emerge, asparagus season, whitebait fritters, lamb begins, Sauvignon Blanc focus
☀️ Summer
December-February Christmas BBQs, beach wines, seafood season, rosé time, outdoor dining, festival wines
🍂 Autumn
March-May Harvest season, wine releases, mushroom foraging, game meats, Pinot Noir focus
❄️ Winter
June-August Bold reds shine, comfort foods, Central Otago wines, ski season pairings, cellar releases

New Zealand Dining Structure

Kiwi Kai Culture
Pre-Dinner Drinks
Social Hour Sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc, craft beer, relaxed atmosphere
Nibbles
Casual Starters Local cheeses, dips, crackers with aperitif wines
Entrée
First Course Light wines, often seafood-focused, sharing plates
Mains
Main Course Premium wines, matched to protein, generous portions
Sides
Vegetables & Salads Continue main wine or lighter option
Cheese Course
Optional Course Red wines or sweet wines with local cheeses
Pudding
Dessert Sticky wines, late harvest, Port-style
Coffee/Tea
Hot Beverages Flat white culture, sometimes with dessert wine
After Dinner
Relaxed Finish Port-style, whisky, or continuation of wine, casual conversation

Sommelier Pro Tips for New Zealand Wine

Sauvignon Service: Serve ice-cold (6-8°C) for maximum aromatic impact and refreshment
Pinot Temperature: Slightly cooler than usual (14-16°C) to preserve fruit purity
Screwcap Quality: 95% use screwcaps - ensures freshness, no cork taint, convenient
Regional Diversity: Same variety tastes different across regions - explore terroir differences
Food-Friendly Acidity: Cool climate = high acidity = versatile food pairing
Marlborough Sub-regions: Awatere vs Wairau Valley - herbaceous vs tropical Sauvignon Blanc
Central Otago Magic: World's southernmost wine region - unique Pinot Noir expression
Syrah Excellence: Hawke's Bay Syrah rivals Northern Rhône - seek out Gimblett Gravels
Sustainable Focus: 96% certified sustainable - pair with organic/local food
Māori Pronunciation: Learn correct pronunciation - shows respect (e.g., Māori = "Mah-oh-ree")
BBQ Culture: Outdoor grilling year-round - stock versatile wines
Kia Ora!: Traditional greeting/toast - means "be well/healthy"

Practical Information

Understanding New Zealand Wine Labels

Term Meaning Description
Estate Winery-owned grapes From controlled vineyards
Single Vineyard 100% from site Named vineyard only
Reserve Premium selection No legal definition
Vintages Harvest year March-April harvest
Alcohol 12-14% typical Cool climate influence
Screwcap 90%+ adoption Quality preservation
Wild Ferment Native yeasts Complexity marker
Organic BioGro certified Third-party verified

Climate & Terroir

Maritime Influence: No vineyard >120km from ocean

UV Intensity: 40% higher than similar latitudes (ozone layer)

Diurnal Variation: Cool nights preserve acidity

Rainfall: Varies 400mm (Central Otago) to 1,200mm (West Coast)

Soils: Young, varied - greywacke, schist, limestone, clay, loess

Serving Temperatures

Sauvignon Blanc

6-8°C
Well chilled

Aromatics

8-10°C
Riesling, Gewürz

Rich Whites

10-12°C
Chardonnay

Light Pinot

14-16°C
Cool served

Full Reds

16-18°C
Syrah, Bordeaux

Rosé

8-10°C
Chilled

Vintage Guide (Recent)

2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding across both islands

2020: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Small crop, high quality

2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, balanced wines

2022: ⭐⭐⭐ Cool, challenging in North Island

2023: ⭐⭐⭐ Cyclone impact north, good south

2024: ⭐⭐⭐ Variable, frost issues

Investment Wines

New Zealand wines with aging potential and collectibility

1
Felton Road "Block 5" Pinot
Central Otago icon, biodynamic
$80-120
2
Kumeu River "Coddington"
New World Meursault, Chardonnay
$60-80
3
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
Martinborough icon since 1980
$70-100
4
Bell Hill Pinot Noir
Canterbury limestone, rare
$150-250
5
Rippon Mature Vine Pinot
Biodynamic Central Otago
$60-80

New Zealand Wine Price Guide

Category USD Examples
Entry Level Under $15 Oyster Bay, Villa Maria
Premium $15-25 Regional wines
Super Premium $25-50 Single vineyard
Ultra Premium $50-100 Icon wines
Luxury $100+ Rare, aged wines

Quick Reference

Top Daily Drinker Picks

Style Region Specific Bottle MSRP
Classic Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc $8
Premium Sauvignon Marlborough Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc $12
Pinot Gris Marlborough Villa Maria Pinot Gris $11
Riesling Marlborough Framingham Riesling $14
Chardonnay Hawke's Bay Sacred Hill "Whitecliff" $12
Rosé Central Otago Akarua Rosé $16
Entry Pinot Noir Marlborough Mud House Pinot Noir $12
Premium Pinot Noir Central Otago Mt. Difficulty "Roaring Meg" $20
Martinborough Pinot Wairarapa Te Kairanga Pinot Noir $20
Bordeaux Blend Hawke's Bay Esk Valley Red $14
Syrah Hawke's Bay Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah $16
Icon Splurge Central Otago Felton Road "Cornish Point" $65

Top 10 Wines to Understand New Zealand

1
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The national icon - passion fruit and gooseberry
2
Central Otago Pinot Noir
World-class elegance from the south
3
Martinborough Pinot Noir
Burgundian complexity from North Island
4
Kumeu River Chardonnay
New World Meursault benchmark
5
Hawke's Bay Bordeaux Blend
Gimblett Gravels power and elegance
6
Waipara Valley Riesling
Limestone purity and precision
7
Hawke's Bay Syrah
Cool climate Northern Rhône style
8
Gisborne Gewürztraminer
Aromatic excellence from the east
9
Nelson Pinot Noir
Undiscovered gem with boutique quality
10
Waiheke Island Bordeaux Blend
Island sophistication near Auckland
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