"Recommended" by Lonely Planet, Frommer's, Fodors, Rough Guides.

Vintage Report

Dear wine-friends,

At the time of writing, this year's record harvest has been processed starting in March and ending late May/June. The reds and chardonnays are quietly resting in oak barrels, while some of the 2010 Sauvignons are just started to hit the retail shelves. Look for some very good Syrah, Merlot and other reds from a long, hot Hawkes Bay ripening season.

New Zealand's wine exports have reached record levels - with New Zealand wine now our largest export after our agricultural products.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is still by far our largest harvested and exported variety at 169,000 tonnes. New Zealand Pinot Noir is our second most grown grape variety (32,880 tonnes), and steadily gaining a reputation as one of the world's best. Our other major varieties are Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Merlot. And another varieties showing large increases in popularity and production are Pinot Gris and Viognier.

So look out for our great New Zealand wines from 2010 when they hit the overseas markets.

When you're thinking about wine tours in Auckland New Zealand, remember Fine Wine Tours is the one recommended by Frommer's, Fodors, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.

I have been hosting Auckland wine tours for over six years as a one-man operation and enjoy meeting guests from all over the World.

I have had many guests lately from USA, UK, Australia and Japan - and also some of our cousins from Canada.

Please feel free to email me with any wine questions regarding New Zealand wines, and I'll do my best to answer your enquiry promptly.

Kind regards and Cheers,
Phil