Northland

Located on the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island
The most northerly wine region in New Zealand, and thus closest to the equator
Wine started here in the early nineteenth century, a reason why it is credited with the quote ‘birthplace of New Zealand wine’
Vineyards are sited on easy slopes based on sandy-clay soils with free-draining volcanic structures
Northland’s humidity and generally wet climate mean that growers here must be careful about rot
To help prevent rot, the focus is on thicker-skinned grapes — such as Syrah (considered to be the region’s stand out grape), Cabernet and Pinotage — which have more natural defenses against mold
Merlot and Syrah grapes also fare well here because of the long growing season
Cabernet and Chardonnay also play an important role here
Vineyards are scattered over the three districts: Kaitaia on the north-west coast, Bay of Islands in the north-east and the outskirts of the city of Whangarei