The World's Top Ten Most Famous Wine Regions and Wine Holiday Destinations Part 10: NEW ZEALAND.

THE WORLD'S TOP TEN MOST FAMOUS WINE REGIONS AND WINE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

10. NEW ZEALAND.

Wine Regions of
New Zealand.

New Zealand is the last country in this ten part feature about the most famous wine regions and wine holiday destinations. Not that there are no more wine producing countries in the world apart from these ten. It could be that you might go to countries such as: Hungary, Greece, Austria etc. and you might enjoy a good wine tasting holiday as part of your overall vacation, but these ten are considered to be the top.

New Zealand lies isolated in the middle of the South pacific. The country is composed of two long main islands, called simply the North Island and the South Island. There are numerous offshore islands which form part of the archipelago.




New Zealand's vineyards are the southernmost in the world. They are also the first vineyards on earth to see the sun each day thanks to New Zealand's location close to the international date line.

The Best Sauvignon Blanc
in the World.

New Zealand was virtually unknown as a wine producing country up to the mid-1980's, when a single wine, sauvignon blanc, put this country on the international wine map.

New Zealand's top sauvignons are among the most exotic, vibrant, intensely flavoured sauvignon blancs in the world. Quite simply they taste like no other sauvignons made. Exquisite. The county's Chardonnays are also elegant. New Zealand's main grape growing region for these two garpe varieties is Marlborough on the South Island.

Vineyards and scenery.

40 per cent of New Zealand's vineyards are located on the North Island in the two largest and most important wine districts - Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, and the territory around Auckland were the greatest number of wineries can be found. Wairarapa/Martinbotough are famous for their Pinot Noir.

In 1973, Montana Wines planted vines in Marlborough on the South Island and pioneered what was to become one of the most prestigious wine districts in the whole country.
Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago are smaller wine regions on the South Island but also worth a visit once there.

New Zealand's vineyards grow mainly the following grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay; Muller-Thurgau; Pinot Gris and Riesling for the production of white wine; and Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot and Pinot Noir for their reds.

The Maori - New Zealand's
Ethnic people.

New Zealand food finds its origin from many places in the world starting from the Pacific, to Polynesia, Asia and Europe. All these influences have had great impact on what has become a cooking reference.

Maori Traditional Food
The Hangi.

Food in New Zealand is appreciated and shared in a relaxed and generous way. It is important to experience the way of life in a country by merging into its lifestyle. Food is one special way to do so. The Maori Hangi cuisine is a must to try when in New Zeland. It's the traditional way to merge with the ethnic people of this great country.

New Zealand Beef Bavette.

New Zealand Lamb.

New Zealand is a bit far off the beaten track, but it is a wonderfull country to visit if one can afford it and has the time to tour it. Remember that there are two very large main islands to tour.





Happy touring. Should you visit any of these ten countries, and should you have the opportunity to spend a few days in a wine region and to savour both the wines and the cuisine, please let us know. Tell us about your experiences and adventures.

New Zealand Kiwi.

New Zealand Wine.
Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
And Cabernet Sauvignon.