New Zealand has ten main wine growing regions, each displaying a great diversity in climate and terrain. Differences in climate may be illustrated by the variation in the harvesting date of Chardonnay. In the warmer and more humid northern regions of Northland, Auckland and Gisborne, Chardonnay might begin to be harvested in late February or early March while in Central Otago, the world's most southerly Chardonnay grapes may first be picked in mid to late April - a difference of 6-7 weeks.

It all started when British Resident and keen oenologist James Busby was, as early as 1836, attempting to produce wine at his land in Waitangi. In 1851 New Zealand’s oldest existing vineyard was established by the Roman Catholic church on land in Hawke’s Bay.

New Zealand offers a lot of vibrancy and refreshed versions of perennial favorites such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc and centering its message on clean, natural, wines.

Discover more about wines of New Zealand.

	Felton Road Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago, New Zealand 92, Wine Advocate "...cropped up in a blind tasting and shone brilliantly...", Wine Advocate Orig. Price: $50.75 Sale Price: $41.25
	Kumeu River Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough, New Zealand 88, Stephen Tanzer "...Brisk, focused and clean but not hard” "... the refreshing flavors linger nicely on the finish."  -Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast Orig. Price: $24.75 Sale Price: $20.00
	The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2007 89, Robert Francis Good solid aromatics to this wine with the usual New Zealand pungency on the nose. Orig. Price: $21.75 Sale Price: $17.75

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