Explore These Top 5 New Zealand Wineries

Famed for its wine regions, people flock to New Zealand to explore the vineyards and fresh produce. Want to go beyond the prominent cellar doors? Diversify your palette and sip your way through these top 5 wineries on a tour of New Zealand.

1. Mudbrick Vineyard. The Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is a genuine passion project overlooking the ocean from an expansive property on the edge of Waiheke Island. Mudbrick grew into its reputation slowly, nurturing a service-first culture with every drop of wine. Over the last eighteen years, Robyn and Nicholas have been producing rave-review vintages and menus for their guests. Visit Mudbrick Vineyard on the 20 Day New Zealand Odyssey with Kirra Tours.

Reds to try: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Vedot
Whites to try: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier

2. Craggy Range. Craggy Range is family owned and operated. The Peabody’s have made wine their life’s work; shadowed by the striking peaks of Te Mata, there’s perhaps no better grape-growing land in the Hawke’s Bay region. Stepping through the Craggy Range cellar door, complex aromas rise from the glass and every sip is unique – just as Terry Peabody intended. You can visit Craggy Range on the 9 Day Northern Escape which also takes you to the Mudbrick Vineyard.

Reds to try: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot
Whites to try: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

3. Brancott Estate. Brancott Estate are the quiet over-achievers of the top five, although they’ve earned every gold medal on a very long list of achievements. Pioneering the now-famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the Brancott team continue their commitment to delightful, fruity wines and crisp, acidic experiences through a balance of experimentation and tradition.

Reds to try: Pinot Noir
Whites to try: Sauvignon Blanc

4. Rippon Vineyard. Located in Central Otago, Rippon Vineyard is unlike any other wine-grower on this list. Boasting a genuine continental climate, the world’s southern-most viticultural capital frames the shores of Lake Wanaka. Rippon Vineyard won’t disappoint, utilising the fertile terrain and mountainous climate with expertise, confidence and enthusiasm.

Reds to try: Pinot Noir
Whites to try: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

5. Gibbston Valley Winery. Central Otago has been a wine-making capital since the early to mid 1980s, capturing the tastebuds of many with award winning vintages and blends. Gibbston Valley Winery played a founding role in the local wine tradition, drawing work practices from sustainable viticultural methods – the Gibbston team concentrates on handcrafted and unfiltered premium wines.

Reds to try: Single Vinyard Pinot Noir, Gold River Pinot Noir

Ready to knock on a cellar door?

Join a Queenstown Original Wine Tour on the 14 Day New Zealand Vista or 17 Day Kio Ora New Zealand, or enjoy a Marlborough Wine Tasting on the 19 Day Ultimate Discovery.

For other New Zealand winery experiences try the 8 Day Spectacular North or 18 Day New Zealand Grandeur which explore the Martinborough Wine Village, or board a wine cruise on the 13 Day Southern Sensations.