New Zealand

Tucked away in the South Pacific, New Zealand is a small wine producing nation that enjoys a big reputation for world-class wines. Vines were introduced about 200 years ago and now thrive in 10 regions with a wide variety of climates and soil types:

• High-altitude mountains where temperatures range dramatically
• Warm, humid volcanic slopes
• Sunny, dry plains rich in limestone.

New Zealand wines are as diverse and dramatic as the country’s terrain. Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand’s most widely grown grape variety – was first planted in the 1970s. Rounding out the top five in New Zealand are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Riesling.