Northland

Northland is gaining a reputation for quality wines; with tropical Chardonnays, popular Pinot Gris and vibrant Vigoniers, leading the white wine growth.

However, the "Mediterranean of the South Pacific" is attributed to the consistent production of spicy Syrah's, peppery Pinotage's and the popular new world red, Chambourcin. The industry is growing fast in Northland with the Northland Wine Growers Association (formed in 2007) boasting a membership of over 50.

Northland boasts production of a wide range of tropical fruits, guavas, loquats, bananas, passionfruit, pineapples, figs, mandarins, fresh vegetables and New Zealand's largest avocado plantations.

Northland's vineyards are scattered over the three districts of Kaitaia on the north-west coast, Bay of Islands in the north-east and the outskirts of the city of Whangarei. These vineyards are sited on easy slopes based on sandy-clay soils with free-draining volcanic structures which are well-suited to the grapes grown in this part of the country.