THE WINE REGIONS
North Island
Hawke’s Bay
Raise a glass where New Zealand’s wine industry began in this crescent-shaped district on the east coast. Established in 1851 by French monks, Mission Estate (missionestate.co.nz) planted the seed for what has grown into a thriving local scene, with more than 30 cellar doors now welcoming visitors. Sample some of the region’s finest, such as syrah, merlot, chardonnay and pinot gris, at the contemporary and sustainable
Elephant Hill Winery (elephanthill.co.nz) or French-influenced Church Road (churchroad.com).
North Island
Wairarapa
The locals have been trying to keep it a secret but word is out: the pocket-sized Wairarapa region, only a short drive from Wellington, is producing some of New Zealand’s most outstanding wines, including award-winning pinot noir and crisp Burgundy-style whites. The bonus? You won’t need to argue over who’s on designated-driver duty because there are enough wineries within walking distance of the pretty town of Martinborough to make a day of it. Be sure to call in at Martinborough Vineyard (martinboroughvineyard.co.nz) and Ata Rangi (atarangi.co.nz).