New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc first turned the world’s attention to the quality wines being grown on the underside of the world, leading to a variety of styles now gracing wine lists everywhere.
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux-style blends have accompanied Sauvignon Blanc among New Zealand’s world class wines that are produced from several distinct regions across the New Zealand wine map. Most of the country’s vineyards on a wine map of New Zealand are clustered on the east coast of the North and South Islands, surrounded by spectacular backdrop of crystal clear waters carving through snow-capped mountains.
At Wine Paths, our local experts can organise exclusive tours of regions across the New Zealand wine map – including vineyard visits, elaborate tastings, luxury stays, exquisite food and exciting activities. All of our private tours of can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – tasting wonderful wines surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
To help you plot a course through the New Zealand wine regions map, here is an overview of the country’s most important wine growing areas:
Auckland is home to some of New Zealand’s oldest established vineyards, best known for producing elegant Bordeaux style wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Most wineries are located in the nearby towns of Warkworth and Matakana while visits to the western districts of Henderson, Kumeu and Huapai are also popular. The Central North Island region on the New Zealand wine country map encompasses several developing areas congregated by boutique wineries, including the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taranki where the warm climate suits Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
New Zealand wine map by Wine Folly
The beautiful and charming district of Gisborne is the first place on a map of New Zealand wine regions to see the sunrise. The region is steeped in Maori cultue, while its vineyards are dedicated to white varieties including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Reisling. Hawke’s Bay is the leading wine and food tourism destination on any New Zealand wine regions map, and home to many of the country’s finest wineries. It is the second largest wine growing region in the country behind Marlborough and produces largely Chardonnay accompanied by some red grape varieties.
The Northland wine region at the summit of the New Zealand wine map is a sparsely populated countryside of peaceful bays, beaches and forests. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are most popular among the small wine growers. Waiheke Island is a haven for wine travellers seeking to escape the bright lights of Auckland city for a relaxed island scattered with world class wineries, art tours and sandy beaches. For such a small spot on the NZ wine map, the island produces an impressive array of styles.
The Wairarapa wine region’s closeness to the capital of Wellington makes it a popular weekend destination for locals. It is littered with quaint towns and rolling hills of vineyards producing internationally renowned Pinot Noirs from a selection of boutique wineries.
Contact Wine Paths for more inspiration before deciding which region of the New Zealand wine map to put a pin on.
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