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New Zealand Wines… Where do we start? Well, Charley and I are not experts but we know that wine, wineries and wine holidays are a big big (yes that’s two bigs!) part of the complete New Zealand experience. In world terms the wine industry of New Zealand is happy to be a small player. The niche that New Zealand wineries carve out is one of quality as opposed to quantity. This quality you will experience first hand as you visit cellars and vineyards to try New Zealand’s finest, popular and least known wines. 
If you’re interested in
taking a wine holiday in New Zealand
to visit the vineyards, and like us you’re not a wine buff, then Charley and I want you to not only accrue some basic facts on wine but enjoy drinking the wines of New Zealand you want too!
• Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc, Aromatic Varieties (Riesling etc) and Sparkling. 
ten main wine growing regionsThey cover the country from the tip of the North island to the toe of the South island…• Northland – With the country's warmest ripening conditions the region is strongly represented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. • Auckland – to Northwest of Auckland's city centre are the traditional winemaking districts of Henderson (Phil’s favourite district), Kumeu and Huapai. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are again strong contenders but Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other white varieties are also planted. • Waiheke Island is a 30 minute water taxi ride from central Auckland and produces quality red wines based on the Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape. The Matakana region on the east coast and Clevedon (beautiful countryside) south of Auckland are worth investigating too. • The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions wine production is mainly Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. • The Gisborne region is simply the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand. • Hawkes Bay has a century of experience in winemaking. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as the early ripening Pinot Noir, take advantage of the late ripening encouraged by long sunny days. • The Wellington regions only wine district is Wairarapa and Martinborough its oldest and best known wine area. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc abound here. The production may be small but the quality is undeniable. • Nelson is sited near the northern tip of the South Island. The areas winemakers specialise in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir. • Marlborough - With the first vines planted in the early 1970’s who knew that that the region would become New Zealand's largest winegrowing area within twenty years. Distinctive flavours help Marlborough stand out from the crowd. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling are represented here too. Don’t forget their sparkling wines either, rivalling the traditional champagne in taste. • Canterbury has two major wine areas; the flat plains around the city of Christchurch and the expanding valley area of Waipara north of Christchurch. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most widely planted grape varieties. • Central Otago is the world's most southerly wine region. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling putting in an appearance. 
Sauvignon Blanc dominates the varieties and in 2006 accounted for forty percent of the bearing area (that’s the hectares used for planting the vine to you and me). Pinot Noir and Chardonnay come next with about twenty percent each.
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New Zealand is possibly the finest producer of sauvignon blanc in the world today. Its Pinot noir is a strongly emerging competitor on this stage with its silky finish and softness compared to more robust style blends of red.
