In scenic New Zealand, vineyards stretch across the length of the country. While the wineries here are comparatively new to the global scene, what they lack in history they more than make up for in quality of technique and ingredients. With parts of New Zealand at the same latitude as Sicily, a wine tour of the country is worth the long-haul flight. Visit tasting terraces with stunning views of the country's legendary landscape, or taste wines direct from the cellar door in candlelit barns.
Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island (photo)
Nestled into scenic Waiheke Island - known for art, food and wine - Stonyridge Vineyard produces award-winning Cabernet-blends using refined French techniques. It's an easy hop over here from Auckland (35 minutes by ferry), but the island feels a world away from the city, with its picturesque valleys and romantic vineyards. Visit the Veranda cafe, and taste their vintage wines beneath olive trees and a canopy of vines, or nibble on homegrown olives and watch the sun set over the sea. On winter evenings, try the Stonyridge Cabernet Franc Merlot, and be warmed by Christmas cake aromas and vanilla notes.
Villa Maria Winery, Auckland
Located conveniently close to Auckland's airport, the Villa Maria Winery is perfectly situated for a layover. Not only does the winery offer exquisite wines at their cellar door, including their passionfruit flavoured Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, they also host outdoor concerts in summer - with music ranging from jazz to classical. Their quality wines are best enjoyed outdoors during hazy summer evenings, but the winery also offers two tours a day, with a background history of the winery and a walk through the bottling hall.
Mission Estate Winery, Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay, on New Zealand's North Island, is home to some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots in the country. Mission Estate is a must-visit vineyard - it's the country's oldest winery and also one of the most scenic, overlooking the Art Deco town of Napier and burrowed into the green Taradale hills. Wander among its historic outhouses (it was established in 1851) and sample or purchase their wines straight from the cellar door. Sample their Reserve Merlot, with dark plum and cedar flavours, topped with thyme and clove notes. Many a romantic evening has been spent on the terrace, which overlooks the rolling hills and rows of vineyards.
Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Marlborough
It's no surprise that the open, sun-soaked valleys of Marlborough are where some of the best wines in New Zealand are produced. Located at the uppermost tip of the South Island, the green hills of Wairau Valley are home to Cloudy Bay, a winery set over seven different vineyards. The vineyard is celebrated for its prized Sauvignon Blanc, with an exquisitely fruity taste and delicate lime and nectarine accents. Their cellar door is a romantic setting; come in the summer to sip wine outdoors, or in the winter months enjoy a cosy evening for two in front of a crackling log fire.
Rippon Vineyard and Winery, Central Otago
A long-standing family run vineyard, Rippon Vineyard and Winery is located on the shores of the stunning Lake Wanaka. Its location in Central Otago, one of the foremost wine regions of New Zealand, ensures top quality flavours as vines are nourished by the long sunshine hours and continental climate. The vineyard is farmed carefully using biodynamic methods, producing flavoursome Pinot Noir varieties, which mix dark berry flavours with floral top notes. These are best enjoyed outside with a plate of local cheese, enjoying the lakeside views and the Southern Alps mountain ranges beyond. Tastings are fairly informal, with five to seven varieties of their vintages available each day.