New Zealand

Kiwi, rugby and now also wine

Everyone has a picture of New Zealand in their head. Sandy beaches, snow-capped peaks and sheep after sheep. For more than 30 years now, the Kiwis have also discovered viticulture. Fresh cool sea breezes hit the vineyards along the green coasts, which are equally influenced by Antarctic and southern equatorial currents. An almost maritime climate. Ideal conditions for vinifying Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and even Pinot Noir, which are close to, if not better than, European wines. Because the Kiwis like to orient themselves at traditional creations from the old world, but never forget their New Zealand roots. A symbiosis of thousands of years of expertise with innovative ideas. This is New Zealand wine, this is pleasure that has taken the world by storm.

The history of New Zealand viticulture

It is not possible to say whether the Maori, in their rich history, cultivated wine. But they have a word for it - wāina. Perhaps they took this word from English, as the beginning of New Zealand wine growing dates back to colonial times. Already in 1819, about 170 years before the economic boom of viticulture, a missionary mentioned the vines in a small settlement on the North Island of New Zealand. It was professionally cultivated when James Busby, the same James Busby who also played a major role in the success of Australian wines, cultivated imported vines. The fact that New Zealand wine could only gain a foothold much later, however, resulted from religious abstinence movements that made it almost impossible to successfully market and offer wine. Sales were banned, restaurants were not allowed to serve. 1990 then the turn - wine became freely available. One knew the good conditions for a long time and cultivated first Müller-Thurgau, then Chardonnay and subsequent Sauvignon blanc. Today viniculture in New Zealand is bigger than ever - and rising. The winegrowers never forget that they owe the excellent quality to the nature of New Zealand. Sustainability and environmental protection are close to the Kiwis and are exercised to perfection from the vineyard to the cellars. The result of the young history of New Zealand wine is impressive. Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand is one of the best the world of white wines has to offer. Success that makes thirst for more.

New Zealand's growing areas and grape varieties

Year after year more and more wineries and vineyards are springing up from the soil. To date, the vines are located on about 35,000 hectares of the South and North Island. Most of them are near the coast, which is hardly surprising given the narrow shape of the country. Fresh sea air blows through the vineyards and gives the wines a lively freshness and naturalness that can hardly be found in the old cultivated areas of the world. A quality feature of New Zealand wine that has supported the rise of viticulture as an important economic factor. Initially to be found increasingly on the North Island of New Zealand, the vineyard area has also spread to the South Island in recent years. First and foremost the Marlborough wine region, which today holds about 79% of the total area for New Zealand wine. But the noble white wine and red wine from New Zealand can be found everywhere - a small overview of the cultivation areas makes this clear.

The cultivation areas of the North Island:

• Northland - Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinotage and Syrah find an almost Mediterranean climate in the northernmost cultivation area, which provides ideal conditions for both the vines and citrus fruits.
• Hawke's Bay - One of New Zealand's oldest and largest wine growing areas. Especially red wine from New Zealand from the grape varieties Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is vinified here.
• Bay of Plenty - Although the name suggests otherwise, viticulture is still in its infancy. Small areas of Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc can be found here.
• Auckland - Around New Zealand's largest city, there are several wineries that cultivate a variety of grape varieties. Classically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also Merlot, Pinot Gris and Cabernet franc can be found in Auckland.
• Waikato - Another newcomer among the growing regions. Here Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay find a fertile home.
• Wairarapa - Agriculture is the main activity on the southern tip of the North Island. The vineyards for the red grape varieties Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon fit perfectly into the landscape.
• Gisborne - In the east of the country, rich sunlight meets the remote vineyards dotted with Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.

The cultivation areas of the South Island:

• Marlborough - The driving force that has put New Zealand wine on the sommelier's menu. About 20.00 hectares of fertile soil provide excellent results for full Pinot Noir and tangy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
• Canterbury and Waipara - Spätburgunder, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc grow splendidly between the alpine mountains and the wide sea.
• Nelson - At the northern end of the South Island, the cultivation region benefits from intense hours of sunshine and a pleasant coastal climate that the typical New Zealand wines and also Riesling enjoy day after day.
• Central Otago - The southernmost wine-growing region in the world is located in Central Otago, where aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc grapes, on partly snow-covered vineyards, celebrate excellent results.
• Waitaki Valley - Between Canterbury and Otago is New Zealand's youngest wine-growing region. Rich in the water of the Waitaki River, mainly Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Riesling grow here.

Buy New Zealand wine online

A fresh breeze blows in the wine world and it comes from the land of Maori and Kiwis. New Zealand wine is on all lists of the best white wines and even New Zealand red wines are experiencing an enormous rise these days. Discover the powerful and aromatic wines from New Zealand. Red wine or white wine from the other side of the world and first-class taste can be found at VINELLO. We offer you a large selection of affordable New Zealand wines. Buy your favorites and order online. We deliver your selection climate-neutral and safely packaged wherever you want. Through numerous payment methods and secure online purchasing, you will find all kinds of tasty wines and spirits on VINELLO, quite uncomplicated and simple. Order, open and experience the pleasure of New Zealand wines. At VINELLO - your wine trade for kiwi enthusiasts and all those who want to become one.