New Zealand: Best wineries & vineyards

With over 250 workers and distributing to 60 countries, Villa Maria has four locations that offer extraordinary tastings and tours. Being New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery, this Villa is dedicated to producing New Zealand grown-wine that is enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all around the world. Located only a five-min drive from the Auckland airport, this vineyard offers beautiful views of the Manukau Harbour and also of Auckland City. Not only can visitors enjoy a glass of in-house wine on the terrace of the Vineyard Cafe, but it is also paired with delicious food.

Villa Maria Vineyards, multiple locations

Not only does Te Whau Lodge offer world-class restaurants, but it is paired with spectacular vineyards as well. In particular, Te Whau Vineyard has multiple national and international awards for its authentic New Zealand cuisine that is enjoyed with the views and amazing wine. Many regulars would suggest getting a table on the outdoor balcony to make the most of the views from Kennedy Point to Auckland's cityscape.

Te Whau Lodge, 36 Vintage Lane, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971, New Zealand

Opening in 1978, Neudorf Vineyard now has a worldwide reputation for growing excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. They are based at the top of South Island in a city named Nelson, which overlooks the ancient Moutere Hills. Even though they do not have a restaurant at Neudorf, they have a small deli that sells local cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. Come to this vineyard and build a cheese platter to go with a few glasses of house-made wine!

Neudorf Vineyards, 138 Neudorf Road, Nelson 7175, New Zealand

Being one of Central Otago’s largest single-estate vineyards, Amisfield is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pisa mountain range. The founder John Darby successfully put down roots into this dramatic landscape and cool-climate area, mastering the art of grape-growing. It also has a bistro that brings you on a culinary journey through the tastes of natural Otago flavours.

Amisfield Winery, 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand

The Terrace Edge Wineries in the Waipara Valley is one of the best examples of a family-owned-and-operated business. With the whole family being involved in each aspect of the business, this winery is a great place to do wine tastings of the best Marlborough wine the region has to offer. One of the main pros of this particular vineyard is that each growing location is specifically planned in accordance with the variation in the soil, so it retains only the most desirable qualities in their different variety of wines.

Terrace Edge Wineries, 328 Georges Road, RD2, Waipara 7482, New Zealand

Even though Central Otago is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it is also a great wine destination for those wanting to do both. Rippon, in particular, is considered the most photographed vineyard in the country because of the vines cascading to the water edge, making for some beautiful and cinematic shots. Besides being known for the views, it is also known to produce some mature vine Pinot Noirs which compliments their spectacular atmosphere.

Rippon, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand