What makes these wines from the other side of the world so special? Well, it's way more than just what's in the bottle. Each glass tells a story of stunning New Zealand landscapes, clever winemaking, and a real commitment to doing things right.

It starts with the people. Winemaking in New Zealand is driven by passionate individuals - many of them small-scale producers - who prioritise quality over quantity. They’re hands-on in the vineyard and thoughtful in the cellar, crafting wines that speak clearly of where they’re from. These are wines with personality and purpose, not just polish.

At Kiwi Cru, we love sharing these stories - and the bottles that come with them. From Nelson’s lifted aromatics to Central Otago’s silky reds, the diversity of styles and the sense of place in each glass is thrilling. Even the best-known New Zealand wines, like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, manage to retain their freshness and vitality year after year, vintage after vintage.

But there’s much more than just the headline acts. The country’s ten wine regions produce everything from nervy Riesling and complex Pinot Gris to world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and sparkling wine. Every glass is a reflection of the country’s natural bounty – it’s cool climate, maritime influence, pure air and water - and the hands that shape it.

This is wine that tells a story. Of land. Of people. Of flavour. And of a country quietly producing some of the most exciting bottles in the world.

One of the most compelling reasons to drink New Zealand wine? You can feel good about it. The country has led the way in sustainable winegrowing for decades – long before it became a marketing trend.

Since 1995, New Zealand’s Sustainable Winegrowing programme has established world-leading standards for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Over 96% of vineyards and 310 wineries are now certified. These aren’t just paper promises - wineries must meet stringent criteria across six pillars, including soil health, water use, energy efficiency, and people care. Annual audits keep things transparent and accountable.

And it doesn’t stop at sustainability. Organics are booming. Around 10% of New Zealand wineries are now organic, with hotspots like Central Otago and Marlborough leading the charge. Many more use organic practices without certification.

Felton Road, in Bannockburn, is a benchmark. Certified organic and biodynamic since the early 2000s, their farming practices include composting from site-specific inputs, cover cropping, and even a team of goats managing wild vegetation. Their solar-powered winery and eco-packaging are the cherry on top.

Why does this matter in the glass? Healthier vines mean better fruit. And better fruit makes better wine - wines with energy, balance, and clarity. At Kiwi Cru, we’re proud to support producers who care deeply about the land, the wine, and the people who enjoy it. With every bottle, you’re not just drinking something delicious - you’re supporting a more thoughtful, sustainable way of making wine.

Yes, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is iconic. But it’s far from the full story. In fact, what makes New Zealand wine truly exciting is the sheer range and depth of styles available - especially once you look beyond the obvious.

Take Pinot Noir. Central Otago is home to some of the most exciting examples in the New World. From Valli’s single-vineyard bottlings to Rippon’s biodynamic wines grown above Lake Wanaka, these Pinots are expressive, graceful, and full of flavour. Each one captures something different about the land it came from.

Chardonnay lovers are equally spoiled. Kumeu River, near Auckland, produces beautifully balanced wines that regularly hold their own against top white Burgundies. In Hawke’s Bay, Chardonnay often leans rich and textured, while Marlborough styles can be more focused and pure - like those from Brian Bicknell’s Mahi Wines.

And don’t overlook Syrah. In Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels, it takes on floral and spicy qualities with generous fruit and real finesse. Craggy Range’s Le Sol is a benchmark, but many smaller producers are making distinctive, age-worthy examples.

On the aromatic side, regions like Nelson and Canterbury shine. Think vibrant Riesling, spicy Gewürztraminer, juicy Pinot Gris, and increasingly, exciting newcomers like Albariño and Grüner Veltliner. These wines are expressive and food-friendly, offering brightness and lift.

At Kiwi Cru, we champion these lesser-known stars. Because once you explore beyond Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll discover just how far New Zealand wine can go.