New Zealand Wine

New Zealand; where breathtaking landscapes and exceptional craftsmanship come together to produce some of the world’s most acclaimed wines. From the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough to the elegant Pinot Noirs of Central Otago, New Zealand offers a wine experience like no other. DrinkWell's collection of New Zealand wine may be small, but in this case, it's all about quality over quantity. We taste-test every wine to ensure we are only providing wine of the highest calibre. 

The History of New Zealand Wine                     

New Zealand’s wine story begins in the early 19^th century when a missionary named Samuel Marsden planted the first grapevines at the Bay of Islands in 1819. However, it wasn’t until many years later the industry really began to take shape. James Busby, who played a crucial role in the development of the Australian wine industry, also made his mark in New Zealand. Busby first commercialised wine growing near Waitangi, where he sold wine to the British troops. The New Zealand wine scene developed in the late 19^th century after Croatian and Dalmatian immigrants were equipped with viticultural skills and traditions, establishing vineyards in regions like West Auckland.

The Wine Regions of New Zealand

New Zealand's wine regions each offer something unique, creating a tapestry of flavors and styles that cater to every palate. There are lots of large wine regions, some of the most notable regions include; Malborough, Hawke's Bay, Central Otago and Waipara Valley.

Malborough

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest and most famous wine region. Renowned globally for its distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough’s wines are celebrated for their zesty acidity, vibrant citrus, and tropical fruit flavours. Malborough is the region which really put New Zealand on the international wine map. 

Hawke’s Bay

Situated on the eastern coast of the North Island, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region, known for its diverse soil types and warm climate. This region excels in producing full-bodied reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, as well as rich, complex Chardonnays.

Central Otago

In the southern reaches of the South Island lies Central Otago, the world’s southernmost wine-producing region. Famous for its Pinot Noir, Central Otago’s cool climate and rugged terrain produce wines with remarkable purity, intensity, and complexity

Wairarapa

At the southern tip of the North Island, Wairarapa is home to some of New Zealand’s most boutique wineries. The Martinborough sub-region is especially renowned for its high-quality Pinot Noir.

Browse of selection of wines from New Zealand below. If you have any questions regarding any of these wines, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always on hand to help and provide advice to make sure you are choosing your next favourite wine.