Top 10 Wineries in New Zealand

Church Road Vineyard, Hawke’s Bay - Image: Chris McLennan

Church Road Vineyard, Hawkes Bay

The Church Road cellar is named after pioneer Kiwi winemaker Tom McDonald. Which is apt, since the Hawke’s Bay area has a wine producing history that goes back 150 years or more. One simply must stop in and indulge in a wine tasting and cheese plate at this charming vineyard. The wines here have developed a delicate complexity over time as opposed to relying on basic oak and fruit flavours alone.  

Hawke’s Bay - Image: Camilla Rutherford

Mission Estate Winery, Hawkes Bay

Yet another front runner from the Hawkes Bay region is the team behind the Mission Estate label. Fact: Mission Estate Winery is New Zealand's oldest winery and was first established in 1851. Set in a picturesque hillside location, this estate is a formidable producer of quality wines, delivered at an excellent value price point.

Rippon Vineyard, Lake Wanaka - Image: Julian Apse

Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka

Pass me the Pinot Noir please! Rippon Vineyard is a historic winery situated in the world famous Otago region of the South Island. The combination of climate, highly refractive soils, long sunshine hours and alpine air work together to create an enviable vineyard environment. Come for a vino tasting with your partner and you’ll likely leave with bottle or two.

Bay of Islands, Northland - Image: Alistair Guthrie

Omata Estate, Bay of Islands

Omata Estate is a boutique winery in the Bay of Islands region. The onsite Omata kitchen is a quaint establishment serving up delicious food with a backdrop of incredible ocean views. Think gourmet cheese platters and woodfired pizzas right by the vineyard. We like their high quality, small batch wines.  

Lake Hayes, Queenstown - Image: Julian Apse

Lake Hayes Wines, Queenstown

The star of the show from the talented vino producers at Lake Hayes Wines is their Central Otago grown Sauvignon Blanc. Made to drink young, the zesty floral notes are finely balanced with a crisp finish. An excellent drop, no matter the vintage.

(Image: via Peregrine Facebook)

Peregrine Wines, Queenstown

Staying in the Queenstown region, Peregrine is a family run winery with an established reputation for making cutting edge, world class Pinot Noir, unlike anywhere else on Earth. They also produce a host of premium whites that you can buy from the multi-award winning cellar door.

Waiheke Island, Auckland - Image: Julian Apse

Te Whau Vineyard, Waiheke Island

A visit to Te Whau Vineyard is oft described as a gastranomic delight merged with hand crafted wines. The restaurant come cellar space features stupendous water views from the cosy terrace. The vineyards, perched on the higher terrain, consistently produce the wonderful grape tastes that create their flagship red ‘The Point’.  

Image: Greystone Facebook

Greystone Wines, North Canterbury

Greystone is home to Mr Dom Maxwell, also known as the winner of the 2018 Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year award. This innovative and creative lad and the Greystone winery team produce a broad range of perfectly fermented organic wines for all to enjoy!

Image: Saint Clair Family Estate / Facebook

Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyards, Marlborough

Seeking a reliable, boutique-made, world-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc? Because if you’ve ventured to the Saint Clair Estate you’re in the right spot. Have a glass or two matched with a special Saint Clair Kitchen dish and admire the splendid Richmond Ranges on the horizon.

Image: Foxes Island /Facebook

Foxes Island, Auckland

The highly regarded winemaker and international wine critic, John Belsham, is at the helm of the Foxes Island winery. John first cut his winemaking teeth at the Bordeaux region of France and is a man whose vast knowledge of grape varieties and growing techniques has earned him and his wines a slew of international accolades. Visit the only winery tasting room in central Auckland and pick up a few bottles of Foxes plus a fine crystal glassware set too.