Wines of the World Series: Spotlight on New Zealand
As the new month begins, we’re excited to continue the 🌍🍷 “Wines of the World Series” with a spotlight on New Zealand (NZ). Over the coming weeks, we’ll highlight key regions and varieties with the resources from New Zealand Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School community.
📖 New Zealand key facts:
Winemaking dates back to 1819, but the modern wine industry only began in the 1960s and gained international recognition in the 1990s with NZ’s distinctive style of Sauvignon Blanc (see the History of NZ winemaking).
NZ produces 1% of the world's wine production.*
The total growing area is 42,500 ha and 284m l of wine is produced.*
There are 755 wineries, and approximately 90% of New Zealand wine is exported.*
The climate is maritime (no vineyard is more than 130km from the ocean). Long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breeze result in distinctive cool climate wine styles.
There are 10 main winegrowing regions with great diversity in climate and soils, most of them on the eastern coast in the rain shadow of the mountains.
Geographical Indication system was introduced in 2016.
Top regions by production area: Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago.*
Most planted white varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay *
Most planted red varieties: Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah*.
While best known for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, NZ produces many other wine styles and varieties – Riesling, Syrah, and Bordeaux blends leading the way, and everything from Albariño to Zinfandel being explored.
The production of sparkling wines is small but renowned.
*As of April 2024 data and the New Zealand Wine Textbook.
🔎Did you know?
In 2001, a group of NZ winemakers launched the Screwcap initiative to promote the usage and benefits of screwcap closure.
NZ wine industry prioritizes sustainability, and 98% of the wineries operate independently audited sustainability programs* (see their 2025 Sustainability report).
The New Zealand Wine Association hosts new release (new vintage) trade tastings across the world. The closest one happens in London on Nov 18, 2025, presenting the 2025 vintage.
🎓Want to learn more?
Download this free New Zealand Textbook.
Take an online self-taught course.
Browse the regional maps.
Check the 2024 vintage data and other statistics & reports.
💬Share your insights!
How familiar are you with NZ wines? What is your go-to place in Berlin to buy or taste them? Have you ever visited the country? Would you like to attend the new release launch in London? Share your tips and experience!
All maps, data, and resources courtesy of New Zealand Wine.