These are the New Zealand wineries you must visit on your next trip.
New Zealand is home to some of the best wines in the world. New Zealand wine exports are valued at $2 billion annually, with 96% of the vineyard-producing area being Sustainable Winegrowing NZ certified.
And there’s nothing better than a road trip visiting some of the country’s best wineries and experiencing some extraordinary five-star meals and wines.
There are so many excellent wineries in New Zealand that it’s hard to know where to start. From the North Island Hawke’s Bay’s amazing coastal views to New Zealand’s ‘Island of wine,’ Waiheke Island, New Zealand, does have the best wineries and tasting rooms to visit.
Te Mata Estate, Hawke’s Bay
Best wine: Te Mata Estate Coleraine 20’
Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate is a family-owned winery producing internationally recognised wines exclusively from Hawke’s Bay Vineyards. Their Hawke’s Bay winery is a special place for making wine.
The soil is young and derived from gravel, silt and sands left behind due to the three main rivers of the bay changing course over thousands of years. In the last forty years, Te Mata Estate has created internationally recognised red and white wines, including their famous Coleraine, Awatea Cabernets and Merlot, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc and more.
Te Mata Estate has three different options for wine tasting. This includes Cellar Door Tasting ($20pp), Showcase Tasting ($45pp) and VIP Tour and Tasting ($150pp), which includes meeting the team at Te Mata Estate with a private seated tasting of five premium wines.
Address: 349 Te Mata Road Havelock North 4294
Website: https://www.temata.co.nz/
Villa Maria, Auckland
Best wine: Attorney Pinot Noir
Villa Maria recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Villa Maria started as a one-person operation in the South of Auckland; since then, it has grown into a global powerhouse in its 60 years of winemaking. Global Magazine Drinks International recognised Villa Maria as New Zealand’s Most Admired Wine Brand in 2018.
The family-owned company is known for making bold, industry-changing moves, including adding screw caps to all its bottles to keep production practices more sustainable. Villa Maria’s cellar doors serve award-winning wines through guided tasting experiences and exceptional food pairings.
If you join Villa Maria’s wine club, expect to experience exclusive invitations to wine-tasting evenings, including a tutored tasting of a selection of divine wines hosted by Villa Maria wine Makers and exclusive wine specials.
You start the evening with some Artisan slices of bread and dips to share with the night ending in a shared cheese board and crackers.
Address: 118 Montgomerie Road, Māngere, Manukau 2022, New Zealand
Website: https://www.villamariawines.com/
Palliser Estate, Martinborough
Best wine: Palliser Estate The Griffin 2019 Magnum
Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s prime wine regions. Palliser Estate is at the heart of Martinborough wine. The winery produces great unique wines that are enjoyed all around the world.
On an estate established over thirty years ago, the wines are certified organic, and sustainability and community are at the heart of what they do. Wine-tasting sessions can be enjoyed on their own and with a meal from Palliser’s very own cooking school.
They hold special events, including Sunset Fridays, where you can see live music, a tapas-style sharing menu by Nara at Palliser, lawn games and bean bags—a great way to wind down after a busy week and kickstart the weekend.
You can enjoy a delicious lunch at Palliser Estate, formed by the artisan local food producers of the Wairarapa. The food is an eclectic mix of cuisines that evolve with the available local produce and seasons.
This fantastic food is served through their famous food truck, which first opened its doors in 2020. Palliser Estate recommends booking your Martinborough lunch, especially on busy weekends.
Address: 96 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand
Website: https://www.palliser.co.nz/
Destiny Bay, Waiheke Island
Best wine: Destinae Merlot by Destiny Bay Wines
Destiny Bay is a family-owned specialist producer of critically acclaimed estate bottle Cabernet Blend Wines. Destiny bay is not open to the public but offers private tours and tastings for those interested in becoming Patron Club members and Collectors.
Destiny Bay wines are delicately balanced with inviting and complex aromas. Their best wine Destinae has a higher percentage of Merlot and offers complex dark fruit aromas with the potential to age for a decade or more. You can find more information about their Patron Club here.
Address: 379B Gordons Road Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971
Website: https://www.destinybaywine.com/
Greystone Wines, Waipara
Best wine: 2020 Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir
Greystone wines produced its first wine in 2007, becoming one of New Zealand’s most recognised and best wineries within just a few years. Greystone is 100% certified organic and allows an authentic interpretation of the soil, vines and season to show in their wines.
They offer exclusive tastings to a four-course long lunch with a new menu each week brought to life by Chef Cameron Woodhouse, Greystone’s Wines is a perfect choice for great wines and a fantastic experience.
While visiting Greystone Wine, they offer a Long Lunch, including a four-course meal with optional wine pairing for $89pp. Or at the Greystone Cellar Door you an have a wine tasting and small plates, starting at $16pp.
Address: 376 Omihi Road, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
Website: https://www.greystonewines.co.nz/
