Welcome to the ultimate guide to New Zealand’s finest wines!
Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just someone who enjoys a good glass of vino, you’re in for a treat. New Zealand might be famous for its stunning landscapes and friendly kiwis (both the birds and the people), but it’s also home to some of the most exquisite wines in the world.
From the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough to the rich Pinot Noirs of Central Otago, we’ve got the top 10 wines that will make your taste buds dance. So, grab a glass, sit back, and let’s embark on this delightful journey through New Zealand’s vineyards! Cheers!
The Best New Zealand Red Wines
Image via Cellar Hand Website.
Delta Estates Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2021
Hatters Hill Pinot Noir is a vibrant and elegant wine, bursting with ripe strawberries, citrus, and hints of smoke and thyme. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a bright finish, this sustainably crafted New Zealand Pinot Noir has garnered rave reviews since its release, earning it a spot on James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of New Zealand 2023. Harvested from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, the grapes were meticulously processed to enhance their rich flavours. Perfect to drink now or hold, it pairs beautifully with seared beef tenderloin or peppered Havarti cheese.
Image via Dan Murphy's website.
McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir
New Zealand’s Central Otago has a reputation for producing some of the finest examples of Pinot Noir in the world, and nowhere is that better seen than the wines of McArthur Ridge. The McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir, celebrated for its rich, complex flavours and smooth finish, is a delightful red wine with a bouquet of savoury red berries, black cherry, and vanilla. The cool climate and unique Brassknocker soils of the McArthur Ridge vineyard create the perfect conditions for this vibrant and structured Pinot Noir.
Image via Spy Valley website.
Spy Valley Pinot Noir
Spy Valley Pinot Noir, grown in the picturesque Waihopai Valley of Marlborough, is a delightful blend of ripe cherries, plums, and a touch of spice. This family-owned vineyard, nestled in one of New Zealand’s purest wine regions, benefits from the unique terroir and sustainable practices. The result is a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir with a smooth finish, perfect for enjoying with friends or pairing with your favourite dishes.
Image via Vinino website.
Palliser Estate Hua Nui Pinot Noir
Known for its balance and depth, this Pinot Noir from Martinborough is a must-try red wine from New Zealand. Grown in the scenic Martinborough region, the Palliser Estate Hua Nui Pinot Noir is a captivating red wine with flavours of dark cherries, plums, and anise. This award-winning Pinot Noir benefits from the unique terroir and sustainable practices of the Hua Nui vineyard, resulting in a silky and complex wine with a long, satisfying finish.
The Best New Zealand White Wines
Image via website.
Greystone Wines 2023 Chardonnay
The Greystone Wines 2023 Chardonnay, grown in the stunning Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, is an essential New Zealand white wine. A chardonnay with flavours of ripe white peach, lemon curd, and fresh nectarine, this certified organic vineyard benefits from the unique limestone-rich soils, creating a Chardonnay that’s both vibrant and complex. With subtle hints of toasted hazelnut and brioche, this wine offers an elegant and refreshing finish, perfect for any occasion.
Image via Dan Murphy website
Tony Bish Golden Egg Chardonnay
The forefront of high-quality chardonnay in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, the Tony Bish Golden Egg Chardonnay is a vibrant white wine that is perfect for any occasion. Hand-picked grapes are whole bunch pressed, with only free run juice being added to concrete egg fermenters. This innovative meticulous winemaking process and the vineyard’s rich soils result in a Chardonnay that’s both elegant and complex.
Image via Tiki Wine & Vineyard website
Tiki Single Vineyard North Canterbury Pinot Gris
Subtle floral notes accompany pear and apple aromas are bottled up in this one-of-a-kind New Zealand Wine. The Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Gris, grown in the beautiful North Canterbury region, is a flavourful blend of ripe stone fruits, green pear, and a touch of quince. This award-winning wine benefits from the unique terroir and sustainable practices of the vineyard, resulting in a crisp and refreshing wine with a long, comforting finish.
Greywacke Pinot Gris. Image supplied
Greywacke Pinot Gris
Imagine a curious concoction of fresh nashi pear, sticky gingerbread and crystallised orange peel – drizzled with alpine honey and infused with delicate white floral fragrance. That is what is on offer with the Greywacke Pinot Gris. This New Zealand white wine is an exotic mélange with a tangy citrus palate, brimming with sweet mandarin marmalade and focused by vibrant acidity. Grown in the renowned Marlborough region, the Greywacke Pinot Gris is a lush and opulent wine with flavours of figs, strawberry compote, and candied quince.
Auntsfield South Oaks Sauvignon Blanc. Image supplied
Auntsfield South Oaks Sauvignon Blanc
Auntsfield’s South Oaks Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc, from a low-vigour, Greywacke-rich single block, is hand-picked and wild-fermented in French oak, producing a bright straw wine with fragrant aromas of rock melon, mandarin peel, and nougat, and a taut, chalky palate of dense fruit and remarkable balance. And that quality comes through in every glass, with a fresh and fruity aroma that is simply irresistible. One of the best white wines from New Zealand!
Want to experience these stunning wineries in person? Make sure to stay at the The 10 Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts around New Zealand. And for a taste of Australia’s own home-grown wine, why not check out our picks for The Top 10 Australian Made Red Wines for Winter 2025.
