Over the past decade or two, New Zealand has come of age as a wine-producing nation and it seems that everywhere you turn there’s a boutique vineyard. While Sauvignon blanc receives the highest international accolades, other styles, both red and white, are being noticed. Wine-growing regions are spread the length and breadth of the country and cover a diverse range of terrain, climate and soil types. This all adds up to a vast number of styles, from Pinot Noir and Merlot to Chardonnay, Riesling and methode traditionelle. The website of New Zealand wine and grape growers (www.nzwine.com, 09 303 3527) is an excellent place to get an overview of the industry.

Wine-tasting opportunities range from a serious workshop or course with an acknowledged expert to relaxed wine tours where the emphasis is on the social side as much as the wine. Some bars and wine shops have regular wine-tasting sessions led by a wine grower or wine buff and, over spring and summer, there are dozens of wine and food festivals where producers set up stalls to show their wares. The best place to find out about courses is the local paper, which is also where you’ll see bars and retail outlets advertising wine nights. For information on wine tours and festivals, the local i-SITE is the place to go.

The New Zealand Wine Tourism Network (www.wtn.co.nz) is a comprehensive online directory containing information about wineries, wine tours, wine festivals and events.