New Zealand Wine Tours

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New Zealand Wine Tours North Island The Wine industry dates back to 1851, when missionaries at the Missions Vineyard in Napier introduced growing grapes for wine. Today the viticulture industry is alive and a thriving major export commodity and a feature of the tourism industry. Hawkes Bay has 33 wineries. Church Road is probably the most popular brand from here but as a region they have a diverse soil that allows for most premium wine varieties to be developed and sold. West Auckland is renowned for its wineries in Henderson and the Kumeu Valley. Montana, Corban's, Soljans, Matua are all brands from this area.
In 1883 William Betham planted Pinot Meune and Hermitage grapes at the Lansdowne Vineyard in the Masterton area. It was not until 1978 that this region planted more grapes and today Martinborough and the Wairarapa Valley are main stream and boutique winemakers with 32 wineries and a comprehensive growers wine centre.		South Island Marlborough is a major wine region centred around Blenheim. There are 19 wineries here and the largest acreage in New Zealand where most major brands are cultivated. It is the home of Montana , New Zealand 's most commercial winery. Here, they have the only Coquard press in the Southern Hemisphere used in the production of Montana 's world-beating Deutz method traditionanelle. They also use the revolutionary labour saving grape tipper tanks. North at Nelson there are 15 wineries.
		South at Kaikoura there is the Kaikoura wine Company, currently specialising in blended product. Arguably the best views of any winery in New Zealand and an underground cellar to boot. Great service, great platters, product range and great specialty gifts here. Further South in the Huranui at Waipara, there are 14 more wineries, most offering Tastings. This continues South of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains. Queenstown, particularly in the Gibbston Valley and the winery that bears its name can claim to grow the nectar of the gods. The region with its winter snow produces Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. The Gibbston Valley winery has won world acclaim and awards for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their platters here are magnificent and match their wine. Here there is the Wentworth Estate, Chard Farm, Peregrine and Taramea Wine Centre. Cromwell just through the Kawerau Valley from here offers a host of wineries with Felton Road , Olssens of Bannockburn and Bannockburn Heights.
Be your need to study Viticulture or see New Zealand through some wonderful wine glasses while enjoying food to match, we can answer your every need.