While most people think of Australia and New Zealand wine, they think of them as new destinations. However, a lot of the wineries in both Australia and New Zealand date back to the 19th century. Many of the early European settlers planted grapes, and while a lot of wineries don’t date that far back, the cultivation of grapes does. Both countries have a huge variety of wine regions, from mere hours from Sydney, Australia to hidden in the Southern Alps.
Australia and New Zealand wine
It’s not much of a secret that I’m totally obsessed with New Zealand. The location – far away from most other places – the climate – the range of temperatures – and the dramatic scenery combine to create, like Chile, one of the best places to grow wine. For the longest time, New Zealand wine was unknown to most of the world. Or, more accurately, most people only knew about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. However, there are TEN different wine regions in New Zealand and they all have outstanding varietals.
Australia also has a lot of wine regions. Most people know of the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, and the Yarra Valley. These are located within striking distance of Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, respectively. But did you know that Tasmania has several small wine regions? And that South Australia has a second major wine region? Perth too, is near one of the most incredible wine regions in the world. As noted in another post, Margaret River produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon an Chardonnay.
I realised as I was writing this that I was well over my self-imposed limit for words so I made the decision to split it up. I’ll write about Australian wine next week! For now… it’s all about the kiwi wines and why they’re so amazing.
New Zealand wine
The first grapes were planted in the Northland region of New Zealand, near the first European settlement at Waitangi. Most people don’t think of the Northland – home to beauties like the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, and the Kauri forests – as a great wine growing region. However, Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, consistently ranks as one of the best wine growing places in the world and is only a few hours south. So, likewise, the Northland has an ideal climate.
Today, the most well known regions are Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. Ask someone near you if they’re familiar with New Zealand wine, and you’re likely to get a response about Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. International brands include Kim Crawford, Cloudy Bay, and Whitehaven. Marlborough (and Blenheim) are on the northern end of the South Island. They’re sheltered from the winds of Cook Strait by the Queen Charlotte Sounds and from the chilly Southern Alps by the Canterbury range and plains. The largest town here is Picton, where the ferry port is.
Did you know? Nelson, New Zealand is a leading producer of hops for breweries around the world.
An alternate is staying in Nelson, about three hours away through the mountains, where there are wineries, cideries, and breweries. However, Marlborough also has some beautiful country retreat properties well worth checking out!
This region is also known for it’s seafood, and you cannot pass through without sampling some of the amazing scallops, mussels, and salmon.
Hawke’s Bay is on the east coast of the North Island. If you look at a map of New Zealand, the large bay where it looks like someone took a bite out… that is Hawke’s Bay. Napier is the main town here, famous for its Art Deco architecture. This region produces exceptional Syrah, and is also home to many of the orchards in New Zealand.
Just south of Hawke’s Bay is the Wairarapa wine region, known for exceptional Pinot Noir. The tiny town of Martinborough is a great day trip destination from Wellington. A great way to explore here is by bicycle, since there are over 20 vineyards within a few miles of town.
Alternately, stay at arguably one of the most amazing places on the planet (it’s actually listed in 1000 Places to See Before You Die), Wharekauhau Country Estate.
The mountains are calling and I must go…
The last New Zealand wine region I want to highlight is my favourite, Central Otago. Central Otago is located within the beautiful Southern Alps range in the bottom third of the South Island. Queenstown is the largest town here, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, and is an ideal place to centre yourself for a few days of wine tasting in the mountains. There are, at last count, numerous luxury properties in Queenstown, whose housing and rental prices rival Sydney and Auckland. Should you wish to take a day off from wine tasting, don’t worry, there’s plenty of great shopping here.
Central Otago has the perfect climate for bold Pinot Noir. The reds from down here are typically a little heavier than Pinot Noir from either Marlborough or Martinborough. Among the most well known wineries are Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm. Obscure varietals grow well here too – my favourite wine is the Tempranillo from Brennan Winery.
Luxury abounds here, even in the wine tastings. Exclusive tastings can be done through any of my partners. My personal favourite (I haven’t done it yet, it’s on my list) is a helicopter to the top of a nearby mountain with a private wine tasting from a winery that doesn’t have a cellar door open to the public. How’s that for a cool, unique experience?
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Stay tuned next week because in addition to Australian wine, I also want to highlight South African wine. Full disclosure, I was going to surprise you with a bonus post on Saturday but I’ll just drag this out into next week. Missed the posts about European wine regions, North American wine regions, and South American wine regions? Check ’em out!
