Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 25, 2010 at 3:39 pm

You have to love New Zealand, they have a wine trail that runs through the country! The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a 380 km (236 mile) self-drive touring route that leads you off the beaten track. You travel through many of New Zealand’s most interesting and scenic regions, including three major viticulture areas that account for more than 70% of the country’s wine production. And you don’t have to worry about getting lost, because along the way, there are road signs with images of grapes. No words, just a bunch of grapes. It’s like a little secret code for wine lovers.

Wine growing regions in New Zealand include Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury/Waipara Valley and Central Otago.

All through the trail are lovely little villages, historic towns, artist studios, specialty food, live theatre, forest hikes, brewery tours, fishing, hiking and of course – a range of wineries producing everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir.

You will come across both large estates and smaller vineyards that make batches by hand. In most of New Zealand’s wineries, the emphasis is placed on quality rather than quantity.

I’m sold. Another adventure to go on my bucket list!!!

Anyone want to join me?