Thread: Why aren't there any wineries in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand when it has...

...great climate for wine growing? Don't understand why there aren't masses of wineries in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand when it's one of the sunniest spots in NZ and places like Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough are stuffed with wineries? Any one have any ideas? Thanks

The plain fact is that the climate for grape growing is better in the South Island.

The (short) history of wine growing in NZ has been one of moving south - from Auckland to Hawkes Bay to Martinborough in the north, then down to Nelson and Marlborough. Many of the Auckland wineries are now growing their grapes on the South Island and shipping the grapes north to make into wine.

And even on the south island, winemaking is moving south. There's been huge expansion in the past few years down into totally new areas in Otago.

NZs top varities currently are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The Marlborough SB is a world beater and distinct from North Island SB. Pinot Noir makes its best wines in cool climates -- hence South Island.

An upcoming variety is Syrah/Shiraz -- there is very little grown now -- but maybe that'll find a home in the North Island.