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Wine

The North has an established reputation for chardonnays and pinot gris and now reds such as syrah (shiraz) and pinotage are becoming just as highly regarded. Northland vineyards are consistently producing medal-winning wines - Marden Estates's Black Rocks Chardonnay 2005 and Okahu Estate's Shipwreck Bay Merlot Cabernet 2004 both won gold medals at New Zealand's oldest established wine show, the Royal Easter Show for 2004 and ten other medals were also awarded to Northland wineries.

Gastrotourists can seek our samples from the six wineries that
offer tastings as well as enjoy regional food along the way on the Northland Wine Trail. Enjoy winery dining at its relaxed best while taking in the stunning views and countryside.

Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand wine. The first plantings in 1819 were in Kerikeri, thanks to the Reverend Samuel Marsden. Another name commonly associated with the North in the early days is James Busby, who made the first wines.

Ten years ago, Kaitaia's Monty Knight, a legend in his own right and pioneering vintner of the North, predicted 10 vineyards would be established in the the north within a decade. That's happened and there are more to come.

Wineries
Northland Wine Trail
Northland Food & Wine Trail

Northland Naturally - First Region of New Zealand

Northland Visitor Guide

Wine