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New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir Chardonnay Syrah

Adding the fine to New Zealand wine

Alder Yarrow in 2021
Alder Yarrow
Wednesday 9 April 2025 • 10 min read
Dog Point Vineyard

A breakaway group proves there's much more to NZ wines than Sauvignon Blanc. Above, Dog Point Vineyard in the Southern Valleys of the Marlborough region.

Self-help books frequently tout the idea that our greatest strength can also be our greatest weakness. The same can be said about runaway commercial success in the wine industry. Ask any wine drinker what they know about New Zealand wine, and they’re bound to tell you something about Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

There’s good reason for this. Sauvignon Blanc (most of it from Marlborough) makes up a whopping 66% of the vine acreage and 75% of...