History of New Zealand wines Wine Laws Recent trends Structure of the wine industry Evolution of the wine regions Grape Varieties And Wine Styles Wine Regions Producers Cities

New Zealand's wine industry developed from the Auckland region southwards. Viticulture was begun in many areas more for social than climatic reasons, so vineyards have not necessarily been where one would expect. Many wineries that used to grow their grapes in Auckland now buy in from contract growers in more suitable growing areas. While some still process the grapes on the spot, others truck grapes from vineyard to winery in refrigerated lorries.

Many regions, even the more recently cultivated, receive high or fairly high rainfall, so the main problem in vineyards in many regions is the rampant growth of the vines. Severe pruning during the growing season and the training of vines so that the grapes receive maximum exposure have been developed. Such canopy-management techniques are copied elsewhere.