NZ Wineries
 Home Up About Us Traveler Comments: Discover Downunder Join mailing list Insurance

Toll Free:   1 (888) 8-DOWNUNDER   1 (888) 836 9686 Ph:  (303) 300 0148

Discover Downunder ®

 

Home
Up

 

New Zealand Wineries

 

Discover Downunder New Zealand Wineries

 

Hawkes Bay Wine Region

Hawke’s Bay in many ways has a similarity to the great French wine region of Bordeaux, certainly supporting the massive plantings of recent years of Bordeaux Red varieties, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Mission Estate is New Zealand’s oldest operating winery, founded by the Marist Fathers in 1851.  Mission first operated to produce sacramental wines and wines for use within the church.  In the latter part of the 19th century the brothers bowed to public pressure and began selling some wines to the public.  Today Mission Estate’s principal varieties include Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

One of the world’s most striking modern winery buildings constructed in recent times must be the splendid Sileni Estates Winery and Epicurean Center nestled below the foothills of the central north island ranges in Hawke’s Bay.  The Epicurean center includes two restaurants, culinary gardens, a gourmet food store and a wine education center and culinary school.  Sileni Estates principal wines are Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pourriture Noble and Semillon.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Te Awa Farm has quickly become on of New Zealand’s most highly regarded premium wine producers.  It is also home to one of New Zealand’s finest chefs.  Their rustic bistro will provide a truly memorable wine and food experience.  Te Awa Farm has been aptly named, taken from the Maori “Te Awa O Te Atua” literally meaning “River of God” describing the mysterious subterranean streams that feed the Te Awa farm helping to create their sublime wines.  Te Awa Farm principal varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinotage, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.   (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Craggy Range Winery is a small, family owned winery that opened in October 2002.  The winery has some of the most innovative world-class winemaking facilities in New Zealand.  There is a Cellar Master’s Cottage nestled in the chardonnay vineyards with is a self-contained luxury accommodation with two rooms and Ensuite with views of Te Mata Peak and TukiTuki River. (Hawke’s Bay Trade Manual 2002-03)

________________________

Wairarapa Wine Region

Wairarapa is the general area of the South Eastern portion of New Zealand’s North Island.  Wairarapa does very well with Pinot Noir and the aromatic whites such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.  Martinborough has some 23 wineries who all produce very individual wines.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Palliser Estate is Martinborough’s largest and certainly one of its finest wine producers.  Palliser makes one of New Zealand’s finest Methode Traditionnelle Sparkling wines.  The Palliser tasting area is beautifully appointed and their courtyard garden is a top spot to relax and enjoy the wines.  The principal varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Te Kairanga is one of the more established Martinborough wineries.  The winery and cellar door have loads of old world charm and there is always a warm welcome for visitors.   The principal varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

  •  NgaWaka

 

  • Alana Estate

 

________________________

Marlborough Wine Region

The Marlborough wine region only came to life in 1973 when Montana Wines planted the first vines.  The real boom in planting started after Cloudy Bay released their first Sauvignon Blanc in 1985 and began making a real statement on world wine markets.  The region is much like California’s Napa Valley, with its elongated valley surrounded by mountains on three sides and a wide shallow bay on the other.  It also has its share of mists in autumn that contribute to botrytised wines of exceptional quality. (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

  • Montana (Brancott for US markets)

Montana is New Zealand’s leading winemaker, not only in terms of the variety, volume and value of the wines, but also as an innovator and standard bearer for New Zealand wines.  The company produces a range of over 350 wines at its five wineries.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

The family owned company Allan Scott wines and Estates has fast cemented its place among the province’s top wine producers.  Principal Varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling, Methode Traditional and Autumn Riesling Late Harvest.   (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

If any one winery has put New Zealand wines firmly on the world wine map it is Cloudy Bay.  Cloudy Bay is a specialist premium wine producer.  The winery and vineyards are situated in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough, with its unique and cool maritime climate and the longest hours of sunshine of any place in New Zealand.  Principal wines include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

Jane Hunter, who owns Hunter Wines, was recognized by  the British Royal family in 1993 for her contribution to New Zealand viticulture.  Visitors are welcome to spend time at the winery.  As well as tasting current wines, visitors can enjoy a meal at Hunter’s restaurant, cool off in the pool during the summer and just relax in the beautiful native garden setting. There is also an Artist in Residence.  The principal varieties include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.  (The Australian and New Zealand Wine & Food Pictorial Atlas by Thomas K. Hardy)

________________________

Discover Downunder ®, PO Box 29879, Denver, Colorado USA 80229  (303) 300 0148 or  (888) 836 9686    Email Discover Downunder