MAIN Wine Oceania New Zealand

Early settlers to New Zealand first began growing the grape in the early 19th century, with most of the wine consumed by famlies and the local community. It wasn't until the 20th century when the industry took off, with an explosion of vineyards sprouting up all over the country beginning in the 1970's.

Today, New Zealand has over 24 different grape varieties, most grown in accordance with island growing conditions - like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, which prefer the cooler maritime temperatures Down Under. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are also grown, but in much smallers number and mostly in the warmer north offering higher ripening temperatures.

Most of New Zealand’s nearly 300 wineries export their wines to the United States, Britain and Australia plus a large number of smaller markets throughout the world. As the travel guide books will tell you the best way to discover New Zealand wine is to visit the country’s spectacularly beautiful wine regions, up close and in person...

New Zealand Wine - One-stop browsing for the basics including industry statistics, research and reports, wine regions, winery directory, education resources and wine event calendar.

Wine Online New Zealand - Follow the country's wine trail, from Northland and Aukland down to Otago, via a clickable map leading to lists of wineries by region, plus more on shopping online for New Zealand wines, related links.

Wines and Wineries of New Zealand - Good overview of all eight wine regions and related grape varieties including detailed info on the island's award winning wines, links to featured wineries, suggested books.

New Zealand Wine of the Week - E-zine by a New Zealand wine enthusiast offering feature columns, articles and weekly tasting notes, wine reviews, photo essays and international wine news.

New Zealand Wineries - Travelenvoy.com's expert take on the subject with brief, but interesting tidbits and factoids on the country's wine industry with links to all major wineries by region along with a library of tasting notes.

New Zealand Wine Links - Featuring regions and wineries along with related links to travel info, databases and online shopping resources.

also in Australia Wines -> Wines of ACT | Wines of New South Wales

Wines of Queensland | Wines of South Australia | Wines of Tasmania

Wines of Victoria | Wines of Western Australia