WINE TRAILS

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail stretches from Hawkes Bay on the east coast through Martinborough and Wellington at the foot of the North Island and across to Marlborough and Nelson at the top of the South Island.

Each region produces a range of wines, each with its own distinct character.  The winemakers are innovative, which has seen many new styles emerging and being well received internationally.

The Hawkes Bay region is the country's second largest wine region. Chardonnay is the largest grape variety with Merlot, cabernet and sauvignon still contributing substantially to rising stars Syrah, Pinot Gris and Malbec that thrive in the regions lengthy sunshine.

Pinot Noir from the Martinborough region, highly praised as some of New Zealand's most distinguished Reds, boasts the largest planted variety in this area with Chardonnay a close second. Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are also recognized for their outstanding performance in this area. Wairarapa's winemakers are creating an impressive show with their quality wines.

The largest wine region is Marlborough. The dry cool evening climate, high sunshine hours, free draining alluvial soil along with the medium/large river stones of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys have led this region to producing stunning wines. 

Sauvignon Blanc described as intense and vibrant with racy herbal bouquet is Marlborough's flagship wine.

Chardonnay is the second extensively used variety with Pinot Noir and Riesling battling for third.  

Of real note though are the sparkling wines - often based on chardonnay and pinot noir and matured using the traditional methods.

The Nelson region is an emerging region with a number of excellent boutique wineries. The styles are wide and each winemaker has variations that give the wines a uniqueness.

You can enjoy the wines of New Zealand when you tour with ExtravagaNza.