The Wine Region We Really Should be Talking More About

New Zealand wine and Sauvignon Blanc are usually mentioned in the same breath.

Almost since the grape first arrived on these shores in the 1970s, it went on the become the dominant wine. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best examples of a New World wine that’s eclipsed its Old World progenitor—the Loire Valley’s Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé in this case. And Stephen McGowan knows all about New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc’s global rise. He clocked global airmiles as an ambassador for Villa Maria, one of the country’s best-known wine brands, after all. McGowan has now moved to a new assignment in a region that’s fast becoming recognised as a hidden gem in wine circles. 

Waipara Valley.

Most international visitors drive from Christchurch to two popular destinations—Queenstown for an adrenaline high and Marlborough wine region for more than just one high. I opted to stay clear of these well-trodden paths for a very rewarding day. This journey took me to three wineries in a region that’s recognised as one of New Zealand’s driest locations, with hot summers and cool winters that provide grapes a long ripening time. 

In 2024, Waipara Valley, also referred to as the North Canterbury wine region, had one of its breakthrough moments. A reimagining of the seminal 1976 Judgment of Paris brought together a panel of 20 wine experts in London. The Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling was picked as the Best Overall Wine at what these experts called the ‘Judgment of London’ where wine aficionados blind-tasted 32 top-class wines that included an equal split of New World and Old World wines.

When McGowan—now the Head of Sales and Marketing at Greystone—is not travelling the world, you might find him at the tasting room where he shares his deep understanding of New Zealand wines. There are over 75 wineries in the Waipara Valley with brands like Greystone carving their own niche on the global stage. He tells me that Waipara has acquired a strong reputation for its Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. These grapes are also challenging the dominance of Sauvignon Blanc that still makes up for about 85% of all wine exported out of New Zealand.  

The best way to begin your Waipara Valley discovery is signing up for a full-day tour from Christchurch (about 45 minutes away). These tours typically take you to three wineries and include a stellar wine-paired lunch at one of the region’s tasting rooms or restaurants that are housed in these vineyards. You can also opt for a self-drive option from Christchurch or from the Christchurch International Airport and plot your own stops. We did the circuit and identified three wineries that are worth the drive: 

Pegasus Bay

Easy to recommend thanks to its hallowed reputation and stunning surrounds. The extensive gardens make the perfect outdoor stop on a sunny day. Most visitors take in the views of the barrel hall as they sample a fine selection of estate wines at The Cellar Door. You can use one of their locally made baskets and create your own picnic hamper with local bites from their Mini Deli. Add your favourite wine bottle to the basket and lounge in the gardens or at one of the tables for a leisurely afternoon.

Greystone

One of our favourite wineries in the region, this 100% certified organic and regenerative winery is in the limestone-rich Omihi Hills of the North Canterbury region. I lost track of the number of wines that I tried at the tasting room, but I still remember the Thomas Brothers Pinot Noir (2021) that scores with its dark fruit flavours and structured tannins. The estate has also won fans for its Chardonnay. I didn’t stay for lunch, but you can book a table (Thursdays to Mondays) and leave it to Chef Cameron Woodhouse and his unique ‘Trust the Chef’ four-course lunch that uses locally foraged ingredients.  

Black Estate

We’ll pick this for the views from the restaurant and the menu featuring local and organic produce by Chef Olly Le Maitre. While the two-hatted restaurant is only open Thursday-Sunday, you can try their popular mince pies through the day and week. But ultimately, Black Estate is a must-do for its Netherwood Chardonnay, produced from old, low-yielding vines. 

Beyond a day tour

PurePods at Greystone: This immersive, totally private glass-walled cabin that sits on a spur in a paddock offers 360-degree views. Pull back the sliding doors to explore the stars at night or gaze into the vineyards from the comfort of your own lap of luxury. 

Canterbury Winery Heli-Tour: Don’t have a designated driver? No problem. Take the aerial route and land in style at local wineries for your tastings and curated meals. Canterbury Winery Heli-Tour (with departures from Christchurch or Akaroa) offers scenic flights over Waipara’s sweeping vineyards. 

The writer was in New Zealand at the invitation of Tourism New Zealand.