While most of New Zealand’s wineries are scattered across the North Island, its southern sibling can claim itself as the most renowned wine region in the country, with many artisan vineyards, handcrafting unique wine styles with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices.
Most New Zealand South Island wineries are spread along the east coast in the rain shadow of the mountains that not only irrigate the land with meltwater from the snowy peaks but also provide some of the most breathtaking natural scenery imaginable. This jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape, made famous by the Lord of the Rings films, and the opportunity to sample sensational wines has attracted intrepid enthusiasts to visit wineries in New Zealand’s South Island.
At Wine Paths, our local experts can organise exclusive tours of the best wineries the South Island New Zealand has to offer – including vineyard visits, elaborate tastings, luxury stays, exquisite dining experiences and exciting activities.
All of our private tours of New Zealand South Island wineries can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring ever detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – tasting wonderful wines surrounded by almost surreal landscapes.
To help you plot a course through the wineries of New Zealand, South Island, here is an overview of the country’s most important wine growing areas:
Marlborough is the country’s largest wine growing region and likely to be the most recognised by international visitors after introducing New Zealand’s signature Sauvignon Blancs to the world. Chardonnay, Riesling and high quality Pinot Noir are also produced in a region that accounts for two thirds of the country’s vineyards – while most wineries can be easily reached from the nearby city of Blenheim.
Marlborough is the country’s largest wine growing region and likely to be the most recognised by international visitors after introducing New Zealand’s signature Sauvignon Blancs to the world. Chardonnay, Riesling and high quality Pinot Noir are also produced in a region that accounts for two thirds of the country’s vineyards – while most wineries can be easily reached from the nearby city of Blenheim.
In a land so beautiful, it says something that Central Otago is New Zealand’s most scenic wine region and the must travel destination for anyone visiting wineries in New Zealand’s South Island. Pinot Noir dominates the region, followed by Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. It is also close to the south’s premier tourist town, Queenstown, which is renowned for its range of adrenaline fuelled activities such as bungee-jumping and white water rafting.
New Zealand South Island wineries in sun-kissed Nelson are surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges tumbling through fertile plains towards undisturbed sandy beaches to create a paradise for wine enthusiasts. It is also a haven for artists, bohemians and food lovers – with most of the small number of wineries offering exquisite food pairings to accompany Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines.
Canterbury and Canterbury North is where the Southern Alps fall into the lowlands, creating ideal conditions for growing expressive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic varietals. In keeping with the region’s name, the extremely English city of Christchurch lies at the heart of this relatively new wine growing area. NZ wineries from the South Island sub-region of Waipara have been creating the most excitement on the international stage for their high-quality Riesling wines.
The Waitaki Valley is the country’s newest wine region where the first vines were only planted as recently as 2001. Most of the New Zealand South Island wineries here feature small, intensively managed vineyards within 20km of Kurow. The cool climate has helped produce notable Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines with a complexity of flavours and fragrant aromatics.
Contact Wine Paths for more inspiration on wineries in New Zealand’s South Island and start planning your own adventure in this stunning land.
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