Canterbury

Canterbury is a increasingly important fine wine region located on the South Island eastern seaboard just north of Christchurch, albeit accounting for only 4% of total plantings in New Zealand, yet 9% of wineries, suggesting a thriving single estate industry (given the 90% increase in wineries since 2000). 

In the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, the region is relatively dry, sunny with long dry autumns, if constantly at risk from the south-easterly Antarctic blasts particularly during flowering. Yields are further moderated by fairly unfertile stony, & on the slopes, limestone soils. Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, and increasingly Pinot Gris are the varieties to watch. 

The Mountford Estate, founded in the early `90s, is producing one of New Zealand's leading Pinot Noirs from its base in the warmer Waipara Valley. The Waipara style stands for warm flavours evocative of sweet red peppers and spices.

Further south, on the border with Central.Otago lies the brand new region of Waitaki Valley, populated by only a handful of wineries since the late `90s but potentially a very exciting source of top Pinot Noir (and Pinot Gris!) due to its steep north-facing limestone escarpment, if at times cripplingly cool climate. Ostler Vineyards is a producer to watch, making an almost Beaune-like style of Pinot Noir.