The Wine CEO Episode 34: Beginner's Guide to New Zealand, Part 1

Today's episode is the first of many wine region spotlights! You all asked for more episodes on specific wine regions and today I'm discussing New Zealand. This 2 part series covers an overview of New Zealand wine history, fun facts and legends, as well as the main wine growing regions on the North and South Islands.

Check out my blog post HERE if you're a visual learner and want to look at a map while you listen to the show.

Episode #34 focuses on the North Island wine regions listed below and next week we'll cover the South Island, food pairings, and more!

*SPONSOR from today's show: Wash + Wik Candle and Soap Co. Be sure to enter code: THEWINECEO at checkout for 20% off your purchase!*

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The North Island is predominantly known for the regions of Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Auckland, and Wairarapa. This whole island is slightly warmer throughout the year than the South Island because it’s closer to the equator. This makes it much easier for the wine makers in this region to grow Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other grapes that require a bit more sunlight.

1. Auckland: Aukland is the most northwestern wine region in New Zealand and is mostly known for Chardonnay and red blends from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There has been an increase in Syrah plantings over the past few years in Auckland as well. The region spreads out all around the city of Aukland and although it doesn’t produce the most wine in New Zealand, it actually has the largest number of wineries in the country. The climate in Aukland is warm, but rainy and humid. There’s a lot of cloud cover in this region that can help moderate sunlight hours, but the intense amount of rain can also create problems with rot. For a smaller region, they are producing some really amazing wines.

2. Gisborne: Moving clockwise from Auckland we come next to Gisborne. This region sits along the north eastern coast and is known for Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. They’re especially known for their unique Chardonnays that have tropical fruit and honey notes that make for really unique, bold wines. Gisborne gets a lot of rain along the coast, but is still warmer than most New Zealand regions. This weather makes it perfect for chardonnay. Overall it’s a fairly small region and has a lower number of wineries compared to the other North Island regions.

3. Hawke’s Bay: Next up is Hawke’s Bay which is along the central eastern coast of the North Island. It is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and a small amount of Syrah. Hawke’s Bay is actually the second largest wine region in the country and also the driest of all of the regions in the North Island. The leading variety here is Chardonnay, but there’s a long history of red wine as well. Cabernet Sauvignon put this region on the map due to the fertile and gravelly soil that reminded many winemakers of Bordeaux. Today Merlot and Syrah have overtaken Cabernet Sauvignon in the number of vines planted, but all of these red grapes are still used in many delicious blends coming out of this region.

4. Wairarapa: Last but not least is Wairarapa. This region is in the southern tip of the North island, where the country’s capital of Wellington is located. Wairarapa is known for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and some Pinot Gris. The most important sub region within Wairarapa is by far Martinborough, which has gained world acclaim for outstanding pinot noirs. The region is compared often to Burgundy, which is also known for Pinot Noir, due to their similar climates. There’s a large mountain range that helps create a really dry climate in Martinborough that is perfect for growing Pinot Noir. Overall, there aren’t a ton of wineries here, but the few that are - make really delicious wines.

Great wines to try from the North Island:

• Palliser Estate: This winery offers Pinot Noir, Sauvignon blanc, and Pinot Gris from Martinborough.

• Ata Rangi: Amazing Pinot Noirs from Martinborough

• Dry River: Delicious Pinot Noirs from Martinborough