Wine at New World

Your wine guide bought to you by our wine experts.

Expand your knowledge of wine, from what wine to pick, tasting notes and food pairing, to the fascinating history of your favourite varietal we've got you covered when it comes to wine.

Popular wine varietals

Use our guides below to learn a bit more about the main grape varieties and the varietal wines they produce.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, light bodied, fresh white wine with a zesty fresh herb character. This delicious wine really put New Zealand wines on the map remaining a firm favourite to this day.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay, the white grape of Burgundy, is the most planted white grape in the world. With its oaked and unoaked varieties there really is something for everybody.

Pinot Noir

We’re very lucky in New Zealand to have such delicious Pinot Noir. Whether you’re an everyday drinker or fancy yourself a connoisseur, this incredibly versatile wine deserves its place in our hearts - a kiwi favourite for any occasion. So, pour yourself a glass and let’s dive in!

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is an aromatic wine that fits for all occasions. Typical aromas and flavours of New Zealand Pinot Gris are apples, pears, honeysuckle and spice.

Shiraz and Syrah

A very old grape variety whose origins date back to Persia (now part of Iran) and is believed to have been in existence for at least 14,000 years.

Riesling

From dry and crisp to deliciously sweet, Riesling is a popular Kiwi go-to. Here’s a guide on how to shop for your next summer wine.

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Popular types of wine

Learn about the different types of wine and varietals, the difference in taste and how to choose a wine you like.

Types of Red Wine

Red wine has a charming way of transforming any meal or moment, so we’re here to make choosing the perfect bottle a breeze. 

Types of White Wine

White wine is a refreshing favourite for Kiwi wine lovers, and we’re here to guide you through New Zealand’s most popular white wine varietals, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to creamy Chardonnay, answering some common questions. 

Sparkling wine

Sparkling wines are made throughout the world and the most famous are from the region in France known as Champagne.

Rosé

In the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the number and quality of Rosé.

Single varietal reds and blends

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are classic components of Bordeaux wines, a style of wine that the French have been refining for 500 years. These two principle varieties have been transplanted all around the world.

Lower or reduced alcohol wines

Good news for consumers looking for low or no alcoholic drinks - there's much more to choose from these days.

Discover the Zero Zone

Our wide range of drinks and recipes under 0.5% alcohol by volume have you sorted. Check out our Zero Zone for inspiration.

Aromatic and sweet wines

Aromatic wines are white wines where the flavour and aromas of the wine is that of the grape and include Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Vintage

Although a particular wine will have the same name on the bottle, each vintage produces different characteristics.

Wines from sweet to dry

Sweet wine retains more sugar after the winemaking process, offering rich, fruitier flavours. Dry wines are crisp and less sugary, with flavours often leaning toward tart, earthy, or mineral notes. 

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Our pick of the best for 2025

Best New Zealand wines

Gold award winning red, white & sparkling wines.

Best New Zealand Red Wines

The New World Wine Awards judges some of the best red wines from across New Zealand and around the world. It’s incredible to see some local Kiwi vineyards hold their own against some well-established wineries from Australia, Europe and South America.

Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Aromatic, filled with intense capsicum and passionfruit flavours, and plenty of fresh, zesty acidity, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a deliciously versatile white wine.

Best New Zealand Pinot Noirs

A wine for all occasions. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines, at home at a summer BBQ, with a Sunday roast chicken, or even a grilled salmon.

Best New Zealand wines for under $20*

Gold Winning red, white & sparkling wines. Affordable, delicious and ready for summer. Since 2003, the New World Wine Awards has been finding a top drop at a great price. *These New World Wine Award wines are priced at $20 or less until 10 November 2024. After this time the retail price may vary.

Top white wines

We’re truly spoiled for choice in New Zealand with the incredible range of white wines we have on offer. From light and aromatic, to crisp and zingy, or the rich, creamy and robust. 

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Wine for every occasion

Not sure what bottle to bring to the party, or whether you can drink red in summer? Here’s how to pick the best wine to suit any occasion.

Spring Wines

Temperamental spring starts crisp and ends up warm, so your wine will do the opposite. Start bold and move towards crisp as the sun heats up. 

Summer Wines

Summer is all about heat and humidity. Crisp, refreshing wines go down best, with lighter bodies and big fruity notes.

Autumn Wines

You’ll get weather from all seasons in autumn. Crisp summer wines will still work great, but you’ll move towards winter warmers as it gets colder.

Winter Wines

Look for warmth and comfort in winter. Fuller-bodied wines and higher alcohol volume will feel warming as you drink, especially with toasty or spicy flavours.

Wine for the barbecue

Find out what makes for an excellent, versatile barbecue wine.

Choosing a wedding wine

Learn how to spot a great special occasion wine, and what goes well with hundreds of people.

Choosing a Christmas wine

Find an excellent party sharer that can stand up to rich food.

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Wine and food pairing

Wondering what wine to serve with dinner? We can help you make the perfect choice.

Serving, storing and cooking with wine

Everything you need to know about serving wine, keeping it fresh for longer and enhancing your favourite recipes.