Nelson
Nelson makes bright, aromatic Sauvignon and Chardonnay alongside fine Pinot Noir, in one of New Zealand's sunniest but smallest and most relaxed regions.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Cool, sunny, maritime |
| Geography | Sunny coastal region at the top of South Island |
| Key appellations | Nelson GI · Moutere Hills · Waimea Plains |
| Main grapes | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling |
| Famous for | Craft beer & wine, Sunshine, Boutique producers |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Nelson
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its electric, zesty character and unmistakable aromatics — gooseberry, grass…
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape and a remarkable blank canvas for terroir and winemaking. F…
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is Burgundy's great gift to the wine world — light in colour yet profound in flavour, haunting in i…
Riesling
Riesling is one of the world's greatest white grapes — aromatic, intensely acidic, and profoundly age-worthy. …
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Nelson
Golden beaches, national parks and a laid-back vibe make Nelson a lovely, under-the-radar wine stop.
NZ Explore all of New Zealand
Country-wide wine guide with regions, grapes, classification and food culture.