For most of the twentieth century, the New Zealand wine industry was a tiny blip on the world radar screen. Grapevines had first been planted there in 1819, but its wine-producing neighbor to the northwest, Australia, garnered most of the accolades and acclaim for that part of the world.

Then in 1985 a winery called Cloudy Bay in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's south island released a Sauvignon Blanc so racy and fresh that wine drinkers immediately took notice. The rest is history. While Sauvignon Blanc has become something of the country's goodwill ambassador to the rest of the world, New Zealand's other wines have as much to offer.

A Land of Distinction

New Zealand has the distinction of having the most easterly vineyards — being closest to the International Date Line — and the world's most southerly vineyards. The country's winemaking regions are located on the two large islands that comprise most of New Zealand. The North Island is warmer overall than the South Island, but both benefit from the cool ocean breezes. No location in New Zealand is more than 75 miles away from the ocean.

The emphasis, then, is on growing grapes that suit cool growing conditions — mostly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. These varieties make up 70 percent of the country's total vineyard area. Some regions of the North Island, such as Northland, achieve ripeness in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Regions and their Wines

The cultivated areas of New Zealand span 720 miles from north to south, and, except for the most southerly region, they all are on the eastern coastline. The development of vineyard land has roughly corresponded to population growth, which, in the twentieth century, started in the area around Auckland.

North Island

Auckland has a third of the country's population. While it produces its own wines, it's also a center of wine commerce where wines from other regions are vinified and blended. Gisborne produces over a third of the country's wine, and most of it is bulk wine, but it also has a reputation for fine wines and has been called the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand.

Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's older and best wine regions and often records the most sunshine hours. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have been the most important varietals. Wellington is known for outstanding Pinot Noirs.

South Island

Marlborough's first vineyards were first planted in 1973. And by 1990, the region had become the largest vine-growing area with 40 percent of the country's total vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular varietal, with Chardonnay second. Riesling is grown too — and, increasingly, Pinot Noir. Central Otago is the most southerly region where the vineyards are planted in hillside locations to minimize the danger of frost. The area is particularly known for its Pinot Noir and Riesling.