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Our exquisite cuisine is complemented by a range of fine New Zealand wines. We've earned an excellent reputation for our white wines, particularly our Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. Red wines are also beginning to gain similar attention. A unique combination of geography, climate and viticultural skill have given New Zealand wine a quality and flavour unlike any other in the world. Whether you're a local or a visitor, take a tour of NZ wine and find out more about regional varieties of wine in New Zealand.

New Zealand climate and geography
As an island, New Zealand experiences a temperate climate which is influenced by the proximity of coastline and sea. Our many vineyards are grown predominantly in coastal areas, with strong sunlight during daytime hours and cool temperatures at night caused by winds from the sea. The long ripening time for grapes results in strong wines, full of flavour.

Regional Varieties
Even within New Zealand's temperate climate, there is wide regional variation in temperature. A warmer climate in the north allows grapes to be harvested in late February or early March, while southern vineyards begin harvesting six or seven weeks later, in mid to late April. In keeping with this difference in climate and geographical conditions, each region has specialty wine varieties. Here's a quick break down of New Zealand's regional varieties of wine:

• Northland: a small grape growing region with New Zealand's warmest climate conditions, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay varieties.
• Auckland: vineyards are planted in Henderson, Kumeu and Huapai, to the northwest of Auckland City, primarily producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay wines. Waiheke Island, in Auckland Harbour, is an area that produces red wines. North of Auckland, the Matakana area produces both red and white varieties.
• Hawkes Bay: a large wine growing region, producing a range of wines due to its varied soil types. Chardonnay grapes are the most widespread, but there are also red grapes which enjoy the long sunlight hours in the region. Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
• Gisborne: an eastern, sheltered region in which predominantly white wine varieties of grape are grown, around half of which are Chardonnay.
• Wairarapa: the Martinborough township and region is the most well known wine growing area in the Wairarapa, specialising in the Pinot Noir variety.
• Nelson: with vineyards planted on the Waimea Plains and in Nelson's valleys, the region excels in varieties that are best suited to cooler climates, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Marlborough: a highly successful region that attracts international attention for its fruity and flavoursome wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Other varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling.
• Canterbury: a region whose vineyards are primarily planted on the Canterbury Plains and at Waipara, just out of Christchurch city. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most commonly grown varieties, along with Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Otago: the most southern NZ wine growing region, with a focus on Pinot Noir wines with a pure and vibrant flavour, produced from grapes which are suited to the extremes of temperature in the region.

'Clean and green' NZ wines?
With our 'clean and green' label firmly attached, New Zealand knows the value of sustainable and organic vineyard practice. The market for New Zealand organic wines is growing, both locally and internationally. Certified organic vineyards must comply with a set of standards, including reduced use of sulphur dioxide and total elimination of synthetic fertilizers, hormones, chemical treatment agents and pesticides.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand wine in the NZS.com directory.

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Lifestyle images from Flickr: Purple Flowers, Yoga and Wine.