I want to take a break from talking about New Zealand attractions. For the next few weeks I want to talk about local wineries. New Zealand has several different wine growing regions and dozens of different wineries. The location of the winery, the geography of the winery and the climate that affects the winery, will all impact what grapes are grown and what types of wines are produced.
To get the wine discussion kicked off, I’d like to talk about the smallest wine growing regions in New Zealand, Wairapa. The total wine producing area in this region is only about 750 hectares. Within this small area there are 54 wineries, this is up more than 100 percent from the 1995 count.
The soil composition and the climate in this region make it perfect for growing Pinot Noir, and 38 percent of all grapes grown in this region are Pinot Noir. Next in line is Suvignon Blanc, which makes up 35 percent of the grapes grown. Chardonnays make up 11 percent and Reisling make up a little under 1 percent. Other grapes grown in this area include Merlots and Syrahs.
When planning your New Zealand vacation you will definitely want to stop by one of the 54 local wineries in this region. Many wineries offer tours to the public, however, you will most likely need to call ahead to schedule a tour, or wait for a special open house event. The best way to sample wines from a variety of local wineries is to look for local wine festivals.
New Zealand is a beautiful country to visit. They have something for everyone. If you are on your honeymoon, or if you just enjoy New Zealand food and drink, then plan a tour of a New Zealand winery.
