Nelson

Found on the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, this compact, picturesque region has a vibrant culture of wine and the arts, boasting a wine trail with 22 cellar doors.

The Nelson wine region, a scenic two-hour drive across the Richmond Ranges from Marlborough, began its wine history in the late 1800’s with Romeo Bragato noting the area’s impressive potential for viticulture. Pioneering producers in the 1970’s established the modern wine region, with grapevines benefitting from high sunshine hours, a moderate coastal climate.

Exceptional wines are crafted from across two unique sub-regions in Nelson, the Waimea Plains and the Moutere Hills. The predominant soil type is made up of alluvial gravel from ancient riverbeds, and this free-draining soil forces the vines to work hard to survive, meaning they produce more concentrated styles of wine with a hint of minerality.

Along with the aromatic varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are widely planted in Nelson, and boutique producers are also crafting an impressive mix of new experimental varietals.

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