New Zealand's Best Wineries

New Zealand is well known for its love of wine and its production. There are many excellent wine regions and even more outstanding wineries where one can get to taste the best New Zealand wine.

Here are a few of New Zealand's top wineries:

• Babich Winery

• Brancott Estate in Malborough

• Te Mata Estate in Hawke's Bay

• Rippon Vineyard in Central Otago

• Pegasus Bay in Canterbury

• Neudorf Vineyards in Nelson

• Milton Vineyards in Gisborne

Babich Winery

The Babich Winery is a family-owned vineyard that has been producing wine since 1916. Babich leads the style and evolution of sustainably grown and crafted wine. Over the years, Babich has won several awards and has been recognized at wine exhibitions around the world.

Brancott Estate

This winery gained its fame from creating the very first Sauvignon Blanc of Malborough during the 1970s. The Brancott Estate winery has competed abroad in the 21st International Wine & Spirit competition and has emerged victorious. 

Te Mata Estate

Te Mata Estate is amongst some of the oldest family-owned wineries. It is known for its large variety of red wines and white wines which it produces every year. Its products are exported to over 42 countries worldwide.

Ripon Vineyard

Ripon Vineyard is a unique winery in that it uses biodynamic processes. A biodynamic process is a method of planting which eliminates the use of chemical based fertilizers and/or pesticides. It instead uses more holistic methods of farming. 

Ripon Vineyard is known for producing Pinot Noir grapes. Pinot Noir grapes are red wine grapes of the Vitis Vinifera species. Wine tastings at Ripon Vineyard are informal and food is typically not served.

Pegasus Bay

Pegasus Bay is owned and operated by the Donaldons. It managed to earn its national as well as global reputation for its viticulture and cuisine. It is located in North Canterbury's Waipara valley. Pegasus Bay produces award winning products which include:

• Rieslings,

• Pinot Noirs and

• Chardonnays.

The winery's restaurant is well known for its simple cuisine which complements its wines as it should.

Neudorf Vineyards

 Neudorf Vineyards is best described as a tiny winery that packs a punch. It has made a lasting impression with its Pinot Noir wine as well as its Chardonnay. Besides the above mentioned, Neudorf produces a variety of Sauvignon Blanc as well as Pinot Gris varietals. Their tastings are primarily based on seasonally available products and they cater for up to eight individuals per group.

Milton Vineyards

Milton Vineyards was the first winery in New Zealand to gain a BioGro certificate for its biodynamic products. The vineyard has since expanded greatly and has three distinctive brands which are exported worldwide. Milton Vineyard's varietals have earned it an international reputation.

Stoneyridge Vineyard

Stoneyridge vineyard is appreciated by the wine tasters of theWaiheke Islands due to its classy cabernet sauvignon and malbec. The vineyard is also complemented by a lush plantation of olive groves. It is beautiful and well recognized for this. its is unique to New Zealand.