Bottles, Brews, and Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand’s Best Wineries and Breweries
No trip to New Zealand is complete without stopping in its top wine producing regions, Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay. And while wine gets all the attention, Wellington’s buzzing brewery scene is sure to satisfy any craft beer lover. Thirsty yet? Here are some of New Zealand’s best wineries, breweries, and tours.
Marlborough Wine Region
Even those with little more than a passing interest in the grape can’t help but marvel at the splendor of the Marlborough Wine Region. Beginning around 30 km (19 mi) south of the sounds, boundless rows of vines are neatly strung across lands of every imaginable autumnal hue in the shadow of foreboding mountain ranges. Sauvignon blanc, or “sav”—the vino that put New Zealand on the international map—rules the roost here, but there are plenty of other worthy local contenders like chardonnays and pinot noirs. More than 30 of the vineyards are open to the public, including the iconic Brancott Estate, which planted the region’s first commercial sauvignon grapes, as well as smaller boutique labels. Many of them are family-run, and you’re sure to be very well looked after regardless of the winery’s size.
You should try to spend at least a day in this vinicultural mecca; most visitors opt for winery tours and leave the driving to professionals. The town of Blenheim and satellite village Renwick serve as scenic bases from which to explore the area.
Wine-Tasting
The sunny, dry, relatively cool climate of this part of South Island make it an ideal place to grow grapes, something winemakers first realized almost 150 years ago.
Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and Vines Village in Renwick have leaflets, brochures, and maps of vineyards and can recommend excellent vineyard tour operators.
Some useful websites include Marlborough Wine and New Zealand Wine. Most of the wineries at a minimum offer snacks and free wine-tasting, if not exquisite eateries on their grounds. Any (usually small) charges are often refunded if you make a food or drink purchase.
Wines to Try
- Sauvignon blanc: New Zealand sav is the stuff of legend, accounting for three-quarters of the nation’s wine exports. It’s revered for its fresh fruity aroma, crispness, and purity, pairing especially well with seafood—another Marlborough must-taste.
- Chardonnay: Marlborough’s chardonnays are beginning to bag some prestigious tipple trophies. Expect medium- to light- bodied offerings with hints of stone fruit, citrus, and occasional oak accompanying the creaminess.
- Pinot noir: It’s not all about the whites in Marlborough, as pinot noir is fast making a name for itself too. It’s known for its medium to light body and earthy aromas, and delicate flavors of smoke, spices, plum, and cherry.
Wineries
Auntsfield Estate
Visits to Auntsfield Estate, technically the birthplace of Marlborough wine, are by appointment only, with tours and tastings offered 11am-3pm Monday-Friday. Savor some sav, chardonnay, and pinot noir overlooking some of the region’s prettiest vines and historic structures, including the restored cellar door from the late 19th century.
Brancott Estate
The legendary Brancott Estate is the home of the original sauvignon blanc that made New Zealand a global wine player. The cellar door (10am-4:30pm daily) and restaurant (11am-3pm daily) are surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows; an adjacent deck offers expansive views of the vineyards with mountains in the distance. Book ahead for wine tours that upgrade the tasting experience.
Nautilus Estate
Nautilus Estate is one of the new-wave originals, a proudly family-operated winery established in the mid-1980s. At the turn of the 21st century, they built the southern
hemisphere’s first dedicated pinot noir winery, and now their award-winning offerings are served alongside scrumptious platters ($30-32) that include artisanal New Zealand cheeses at the cellar door overlooking beautifully kept grounds. Tours are also available; book ahead.
Wine Tours
While this region’s vineyards are easy to tour at your leisure, ample tours are available.
Highlight Wine Tours offer door-to-door pickups from Blenheim, Picton, and Havelock, with half- and full-day tours in a choice of shuttle buses. Opt for a private tour to be ferried in a classic vehicle like a VW camper or drop-top Mustang.
Escape to Marlborough offers custom vineyard tours in luxury shuttle buses, including hop-on, hop-off options. Combine your trip to include attractions like the Omaka Aviation Centre or a kayaking trip in the Marlborough Sounds.
Explore Marlborough runs winery tours ranging from 3 hours to full days by bike or car; full-day tours include lunch at a vineyard. Tours pick up from Blenheim and Renwick. Bike hire is also offered, including tandems and e-bikes.
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Wineries of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Region
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest and second-largest grape-growing region. It’s noted especially for its reds and supplies more than 80 percent of the nation’s merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah; the chardonnay is also excellent. Many of the cellar doors offer free tastings or charge a small fee (around $10), waived with wine purchases, and the winery restaurants are exceptional. Grab a wine trail map from the i-SITE Visitor Centre for a full list of the vineyards or download it from www.hawkesbaywine.co.nz, which also has info on the latest happenings.
The Urban Winery
The much-loved National Tobacco Company Building is also home to The Urban Winery, which produces its own exquisite chardonnay while showcasing some of the region’s best boutique wines. It doubles as an eatery and wine bar that hosts live music most Saturday nights.
Mission Estate Winery
A good place to start is where it all began: Mission Estate Winery vines were planted in 1851 by French missionaries for the Roman Catholic Church, who still profit from the proceeds. The raised estate affords breathtaking views over Hawke’s Bay. The on-site restaurant (11:30am-2:15pm and 5:30pm-close daily; $32-45) serves contemporary European fare with fresh local produce.
Brookfields Winery
Founded in 1937, Brookfields Winery was the nation’s first boutique vineyard. The intimate handmade-brick winery sits along the Tūtaekurī River, overlooking a rose garden. Its immaculate small batches include an excellent chardonnay.
Wellington’s Craft Beer Scene
With around 20 breweries and countless great bars, Wellington is billed as the craft beer capital of New Zealand (just don’t tell Nelson). For a complete list of boutique establishments, replete with a handy brewpub map, check out www.craftbeercapital.com, which also has information on regular beer-themed events.
The Malthouse
Discover countless local and international beers at the Malthouse. Its array of taps and massive fridges heave with classic and craft brews—more than 150 from New Zealand and beyond—all enjoyed in a traditional pub setting.
Little Beer Quarter
Little Beer Quarter, a few blocks west of Cuba Street, collates the cream of Kiwi craft beer. Its 14 revolving taps, a pair of hand pulls, more than 100 labels, international brews and ciders, and New Zealand wines are served in the cozy mismatched gastropub filled with stools, leather seats, and airy plants.
Garage Project Taproom
Garage Project Taproom boasts 18 taps and a couple of cask lines that revolve daily, along with a selection of cans and bottles served in a lair-like setting, hemmed in by artwork and mirrors. See where their tipples are brewed and sample some free tastings at their Garage Project Cellar Door. The Garage Projects are in the inner-city suburb of Aro Valley, a few minutes’ walk west of the Cuba Quarter.
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