While many companies have their headquarters in Auckland, only about 1% of the total New Zealand planting is in this region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are the most popular varieties here, although Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other white varieties are also planted. Vineyards are mostly planted in pockets of flat land on the drier east coast or in the shelter of the western ranges.
Located on the country's most easterly tip and closest to the international dateline, Gisborne boasts the world's most easterly vineyards and the first vines to see the sun each day. Vineyards are predominantly sited on flats. Chardonnay occupies around half of Gisborne's vineyards and has led Gisborne's grape growers and wine makers to christen their region the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand. The balance is mostly white varieties (Riesling, Gewurztraminer). It is the third largest producer in New Zealand.
New Zealand's oldest and second largest wine region producing a diverse range of wine types and styles from sparkling wines to full bodied reds and dessert wines. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety but the long sunshine hours attract a high percentage of later-ripening red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz, as well as the early ripening Pinot Noir.
Wairarapa is the official name for the large region that occupies the southern section of the North Island, encompassing Wellington and Martinborough. Pinot Noir is the region's most planted and certainly most acclaimed grape variety. The success of Martinborough Pinot Noir has to a large extent driven the rapid development of this very dynamic and quality-focused region. Sauvignon Blanc is another of this region's very successful wines.
