Wine tasting in Christchurch with exclusive private tours

The New Zealand wine region in Christchurch is strategically situated on the South Island’s eastern coastline between the magnificent Southern Alps to the west and the soothing Pacific Ocean in the east, which creates an ideal environment for viticulture.

Commercial vineyards were first established here in 1978, and the region has since garnered a respected reputation for its elegant and expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling –making it a popular destination for wine tasting in Christchurch tours, especially with visitors to the nearby tourist town of Christchurch.

At Wine Paths, our local experts in New Zealand can organise exclusive Christchurch wine tasting tours, which include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, fine dining experiences and some unique activities. All of our tours can be tailor-made to meet your exact specifications, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the best wine tasting Christchurch has to offer.

The glacial capped mountain ranges not only provide a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for Christchurch wineries, but also shield the region from harsh weather systems battering the Tasmanian Sea, while the cooling Pacific breezes create a maritime climate that promotes full varietal expression.

Pinot Noir ranges from perfumed and bright to dark and broody styles, while the lengthened growing season creates wines with finesse and depth. The aromatics encompass dry to dessert styles with continually improving Riesling maintaining a long and illustrious legacy in the area, while Pinot Gris has made an impressive debut. Sauvignon Blanc create crisp, clear medium-weighted wines with fresh acidity and juicy fruit flavours, while the Chardonnay that is widely planted across Christchurch boast good structure, citrus fruit flavours and finely balanced acidity.

The Lincoln University deserves mention for its extensive research into vine varieties that are compatible with local growing conditions in the area.Wine tasting in Christchurch can take place across three main wine regions of which Waipara Valley is the closest to Christchurch and one of New Zealand’s fastest growing viticulture areas – with over 75 wineries covering more than 1,200 hectares of vineyards.Riesling is the most important grape planted in this sheltered, hilly valley, while exquisitely spicy Pinot Noir represents the red wines – with Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also accommodated in this region.

Waipara has the highest summer temperatures and lowest rainfall of any New Zealand wine regions, which is another attraction for visitors who can explore the stunning scenery as part of several scenic walks that include passing an outdoor art gallery and a historic steam train that crosses the Weka Path.

new zealand wine tastings - Wine Paths

Wine tasting from Christchurch also takes place in the Canterbury Plains south of the city. This is where the first commercial vineyards were established in 1978 where the predominantly flat and gently contoured landscape produces some expressive Riesling and Pinot Noir varietals.A typical wine tasting in Christchurch will visit several renowned vineyards and wineries accompanied by a professional guide before the opportunity of sampling premium wines, often paired with gourmet local cuisine.

Recent expansion has seen vineyards crop up in the southern inland district of Waitaki Valley, New Zealand’s newest wine growing sub-region where predominantly Pinot Noir and aromatic plantings are showing great promise. Christchurch wine tasting here will likely sample vintages that are different from its neighbouring regions, reflecting distinctive minerality and a complexity of fruit flavours.

The expression of the main grape varieties planted in Christchurch are:

Pinot Noir ranges from perfumed and bright to dark and broody styles, while the lengthened growing season creates wines with finesse and depth. The aromatics encompass dry to dessert styles with continually improving Riesling maintaining a long and illustrious legacy in the area, while Pinot Gris has made an impressive debut. Sauvignon Blanc create crisp, clear medium-weighted wines with fresh acidity and juicy fruit flavours, while the Chardonnay that is widely planted across Christchurch boast good structure, citrus fruit flavours and finely balanced acidity.

Contact Wine Paths for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a wine tasting Christchurch tour.

 

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