NZ invites the world to pour a glass of its white wine

“New Zealand white wine makes up 95 percent of our global exports, and while Sauvignon Blanc represents 89 percent of our exports, New Zealand also produces other world-class white wine varieties such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay,” says Charlotte Read, general manager Brand, New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine exports reached $2.1 billion in 2024. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries and is the country’s sixth-largest export good.

Charlotte says New Zealand’s unique southerly position in the South Pacific with a maritime climate provides perfect conditions for growing white grapes and allows for the retention of natural acidity across a wide range of varieties.

None of the country’s winegrowing regions are far from the sea and coupled with long hours of sunshine and often crisp night temperatures it’s the ideal recipe for pure, fresh, delicate white wines.   

“Across our 10 wine regions, New Zealand produces over 40 varieties of wine,” she says.

“Sauvignon Blanc may have been the one to put New Zealand wine on the map, but New Zealand also excels in the production of an increasing range of styles and varieties – from Chardonnay to Riesling to Albariño, there is a New Zealand white wine to suit every palate.” 

 New Zealand Winegrowers consumer research shows that consumers are championing refreshing drinks on the lighter side across all categories, and lighter refreshing styles are outpacing overall wine category performance with shifts into varietals with more refreshing palate profiles.

“There has been an international increase in demand for white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, and in key export markets such as the US, UK and Australia, New Zealand wine has a strong consumer association with more naturally refreshing wines,” Charlotte says.

“This positions New Zealand white wine well to satisfy the growth in category refreshment occasions.”