New Zealand is one of those countries that offers more than just good hospitality to its visitors. Beyond the rich culture, breath-taking scenery and amazing cuisine, New Zealand is home to some of the worlds’ best wine regions. It is estimated that the country has a total of approximately 700 wineries spread across 13 wine appellations. Most wine vineyards are located near the coastal regions because of the cool and dry weather conditions that create a conducive environment for vineyards to thrive for long seasons. Below is a quick look at the most famous wine regions you can visit with private bus hire in New Zealand:
Hawke’s Bay
Wide stretching vineyards, spectacular views of the Te Mata Peak, farmers’ markets and art-deco structures as well as lots of sun, are just but a few of words used to describe Hawke’s Bay. It is, however, mostly known for its variety of tasty and world class wines like the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir – just to name a few. It has the second largest wine region in New Zealand and is the oldest wine producing region dating back to the 1850s.
Hawke’s Bays’ rich alluvial soils and warm Mediterranean climate make it suitable for producing complex red wines, in particular the red Bordeaux Blend that’s rich and plummy. The Syrah is also another fine option that has a strong, peppery taste, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts around the world.
Marlborough
No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting a winery or two in Marlborough. The city accounts for two-thirds of New Zealand’s wine production with an estimated 600 growers tending to almost 20,000 hectares of grapes. For lovers of wine, it provides an amazing opportunity for one to indulge in a variety of sweet tasting wine like Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay while staring into the vast vineyards that extend into the mountains.
Cool nights, low rains during autumn, a lot of sun and alluvial soils with good drainage are all contributing factors to Marlborough’s’ wine making success. The Sauvignon Blanc is one of if not the best wines to come out of Marlborough. This crisp, tasteful yet fresh wine pairs well with cheese as well as delicacies like sushi and is most definitely a must-have item in anyone’s wine collection.
Central Otago
Central Otago is rated as the southern-most commercial wine growing region in the world. It is a tourism hotbed that captivates tourists with its good cuisine, magnificent vineyards that cling to mountain sides, cellar door amenities, and exquisite wineries that are scattered across the district.
The soil in Central Otago is low in organic matter and rich in minerals. Vines planted here produce tiny but very concentrated berries which make very tasteful wine. The Pinot Noir; most common wine made in Central Otago, accounts for about 70 percent of the plantings with the remaining 30 percent being for Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. It is a silky, smooth wine with a nice aroma, plummy flavours and a touch of bramble. Simply put, it offers a small dose of heaven in a glass!
