Pinot Noir

New Zealand Pinot Noir

From Central Otago to tiny Martinborough, New Zealand’s reputation for Pinot Noir production is gaining serious momentum, as well as its own distinctive style. Pinot Noir has been able to capture New Zealand's unique terroir and rival Burgundy like no other.

New Zealand winemakers tease an array of distinctive regional and terroir-driven styles from this generous, yet notoriously fickle grape.

New Zealand Pinot Noir regions

Pinot Noir is predominantly grown in the cooler southerly regions: the Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury & Waipara, and Central Otago.

The huge diversity in climates and soils enables a wide range of styles from these main Pinot Noir producing regions. Common to all, however, are structure and elegance overlaid by power and fruit-driven intensity.

Since the 1990s, plantings have expanded throughout all regions in the South Island and select sites in the North Island.

International success

New Zealand Pinot Noir has seen impressive growth in export sales in the last five years, with 12.2 million litres exported in the 12 months to June year-end 2016. It is now second only to Sauvignon Blanc in production volume.