Explore the Wine Regions of New Zealand

Feb 23
08:34

2010

Hugh McInnes

Hugh McInnes

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Take a fabulous journey with Hugh as he samples, slurps and quaffs his way round the delights of New Zealand wine country. Take the time to enjoy both the wine and the country.

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New Zealanders have been making wine since the colonial period,Explore the Wine Regions of New Zealand Articles but only in the past few decades has the New Zealand wine industry truly come of age. Today, some of New Zealand's wines are praised the world over, and grape production has more than doubled over the past ten years. Although New Zealand encompasses a variety of climates and soils, and produces many different kinds of wine, it is best known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Mthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, and above all, its Sauvignon Blanc. Probably the best and most convenient way to make your trip around these fascinating areas is to hire a motorhome and take it completely at your own pace. Oenophiles touring New Zealand will be interested in visiting the diverse wine-growing regions of the country. Touring the different regions will not only expose visitors to various aspects of the wine industry, but will also let them see many different parts of this beautiful country. Below is a brief description of each wine region, travelling from north to south.Northland: New Zealand's northernmost wine region is also its smallest. The most commonly grown wines here include Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This sparsely populated area is worth seeing for its natural beauty as well as the joy of visiting a still young and booming winemaking industry.Auckland: This region not only features the country's largest city, but also a large and eclectic array of wineries. It will take days to adequately explore all that the Auckland region has to offer the wine-lover. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly common here, but much more also awaits the traveller.Waikato/Bay of Plenty: South of Auckland lies another small but growing region. This warm area is best known for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.Gisborne: This sunny region on the eastern tip of the North Island is the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand. About ninety percent of the grapes grown in Gisborne are white. Due to its location near the International Date Line, it is considered the most easterly wine-growing region on earth.Hawke's Bay: Another very large wine region, this is one of the most important stops for tourists interested in discovering New Zealand's wine industry. As in Gisborne, its neighbor to the north, Chardonnay is the most popular grape, but unlike Gisborne, Hawke's Bay produces many reds as well.Wairarapa: This region is close to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The center of the region's winemaking is Martinborough. Though it does not compare to some other regions in terms of quantity, Wairarapa is known for its excellent Pinot Noir and its internationally recognised boutique wineries.Nelson: Moving now to the South Island, we encounter Nelson, a small, cool, fertile region on the island's northwest corner which mostly produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.Marlborough: Perhaps the crown jewel of New Zealand's wine industry, Marlborough, located in the South Island's northeast, is the country's largest wine region, despite the fact that the first vines were not planted there until the 1970s. A variety of wines are produced here, but without a doubt the best-known is Marlborough's Sauvignon Blanc, which most connoisseurs consider the best on the planet. Mthode Traditionelle sparkling wine is also a major product of the region.Canterbury/Waipara: The wine in this mid-sized region along the east coast is grown near the city of Christchurch or in the Waipara valley. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir together make up over half of the region's output.Central Otago: The southernmost wine-growing region of New Zealand is also the highest. Although one of the smallest regions, its breathtaking natural beauty invites the traveller to explore Central Otago at a leisurely pace. Despite its relative youth, the region has become renowned for its Pinot Noir.A campervan hire in New Zealand would not be complete without at least one visit to these wonderful wine regions to drink in the scenery and sample their delightful wares.