This epic trail explores New Zealand’s premier wine regions Leave a comment

Tasting wine should be a journey, an experience to be relished and savoured – a bit like the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. This epicurean adventure takes in three major wine producing regions plus our capital city, passing breathtaking coastal scenery and charming small towns along the way. 

A week is long enough to travel slowly and savour every experience. From tasting elegant old vine Syrah in Hawke’s Bay and award winning Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, to sipping silky Pinot Noirs in Wairarapa and visiting chic wine bars in Wellington. 

To help you discover the best the trail has to offer we’ve curated a guide of the best experiences in each region, from grape to glass and farm to plate.

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay boasts a Mediterranean climate, Art Deco architecture, a charming seaside city and over 200 vineyards. It’s New Zealand’s oldest wine region, known for its spicy Syrahs, rich Merlots and full bodied Chardonnays. 

It’d be criminal to pass through without dropping into Craggy Range, a family owned vineyard at the foot of Te Mata peak, once named the ‘New World Winery of the Year.’ Before you start your journey make sure you book a table at the Craggy Range Restaurant, an elegant eatery that pairs seasonal produce with the winery’s best drops. 

While you’re here, visit some of the region’s most unique wineries such as Mission Estate which was established in 1851 by French Missionaries. The best way to get around them all is via bicycle, on the Hawke’s Bay Trails – 200 km of easy riding, passing almost 30 cellar doors. Download the map, pick a section of the trail and spend the day meandering from winery to winery.

After all that cycling you’ll no doubt be hungry so head to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market. Wander around, meeting the region’s finest growers and artisan producers.

Wairarapa 

Wairarapa is fringed by mountains and rugged coastline, with big blue skies, wide valleys and small towns full of charm.

Martinborough is the winemaking hub of the region, with over 25 cellar doors and a historic town centre full of old English charm. And the best part? They’re all within easy cycling distance along easy going trails, through lush vines and quiet country roads.

Visit Green Jersey Explorer Tours to either rent bikes and explore yourself, or book a guided cycle tour. Once you’ve got your wheels, visit Cambridge Road – a small but beautiful estate – renowned for producing natural, biodynamic wines that push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. 

After your winery tour be sure to taste your way around the region’s many passionate food producers and artisans. Enjoy a gourmet meal in style at the Union Square in Martinborough, taste small batch distilled gin at Lighthouse Gin or visit Schoc Chocolates in Greytown for hand-crafted choccies with over 85 flavours from lime to chilli and sea salt. 

Wellington

The third stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail needs no introduction. The world’s coolest capital, Wellington is home to some of the best eating in the country with more cafés, restaurants, and bars per capita than NYC. It’s also a great place to feed the mind with countless galleries, museums and culture to be discovered. 

You don’t have to go far to find great food here. There’s Hiakai, where Chef Monique Fiso showcases Maori ingredients in a thoughtful and experimental degustation – or Logan Brown, where elegant but unfussy seasonal produce is served in a stunning 1920s bank chamber. 

As if that wasn’t enough, Wellington is also New Zealand’s craft beer capital – you’ll spot a brewery every time you turn a corner. Golding’s Free Dive is one of our favourites, with tattoo style murals, technicolour lighting and the country’s most delicious brews on tap. Garage Project’s Aro St Taproom is another must-visit, pouring the best (and zaniest) drops from this iconic brewery – including pickle beer, and spontaneously fermented sours.

If you’d rather stick to wine, Wellington is home to countless achingly cool bars. Try Puffin where low-intervention wines meet luxury, or Noble Rot, a wine bar and eatery that was recently named on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ ’50 Best Discovery’ list. 

Marlborough

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region thanks to its rich soils, creative producers and enviable climate. It’s one of the sunniest places in the country and is famous for its world class Sauvignon blancs and delectable sparkling wines. It’s worth taking a breather while you’re here to soak in the beautiful scenery, from the epic Marlborough Sounds, to the sunny vineyard valleys.

Your first stop should be Cloudy Bay, a cellar door located inside a winery that produces New Zealand’s best known, and many would say best, Sauvignon Blanc. During summer their vast, leafy courtyard is a sun trap – the perfect place for enjoying fresh raw oysters and a fruity sav. 

Next up, it’s worth trying as much as you can of Marlborough’s famous Méthode Traditionelle, which is produced the same way as Champagne (and we’d argue it tastes even better). Make sure to visit iconic Méthode producers such as Nautilus Estate, and Wither Hills.

For something a little more adventurous, cycle Marlborough’s famous golden mile, a 6km ride that winds through vineyards and country estates to take in seven incredible wineries. Make sure you stop by Framingham to taste wine made from the oldest riesling vines in Marlborough!

Ready to start planning your journey through the vines? Visit classicwinetrail.co.nz to get started.