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Nelson
Although originally planted at the same time as North Island, most vineyards fell into disuse, and only during the 1970s did winemakers appreciate the potential here
Marlborough
Marlborough, south-east of Nelson, on the flat, wide Wairau Plains, is now the largest grape-growing area of New Zealand, with 2,070ha (5,110 acres) achieved since 1973 when Montana, the largest wine group in the country, planted the first vines. This is one of the driest and sunniest parts of the whole country, although spring frosts are possible. The slow ripening conditions suit white varieties - Muller-Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling. Cabernet Sauvignon is the main red variety, but its wines are strongly herbaceous as a result of lack of sun. Several Auckland wineries buy grapes from Marlborough, or have wine made here. Most vineyards are on well-drained, alluvial soils.
Canterbury-Christchurch
French settlers planted vines in this area in 1840, but current interest in the region dates from the early 1970s. There is still much confusion about which style of wine producers should concentrate on in an area that is certainly on the cool side. Low rainfall and long autumns with warm days and cool nights are highly suitable for viticulture, despite regular spring frosts. Soils are silt loams overlying river gravel.
Central Otago
Central Otago is the country's smallest grape-growing area (35ha/ 86 acres). Modern development dates from the late 1950s. Mainly white varieties are grown, and much of the wine made is sold to tourists. The growing season is short, but Autumns are sunny and dry.Central Otago is the country's smallest grape-growing area (35ha/ 86 acres). Modern development dates from the late 1950s. Mainly white varieties are grown, and much of the wine made is sold to tourists. The growing season is short, but Autumns are sunny and dry.
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