Winter is the best time to open a proper red. The nights are longer, the fire is on, and a good bottle of New Zealand red wine is one of life's genuine pleasures. Whether you're after something silky and elegant or bold and warming, New Zealand's independent producers are making reds that can hold their own against anything in the world.
Here's our guide to the bottles worth reaching for right now.
Pinot Noir - The NZ Red Worth Starting With
New Zealand Pinot Noir is world-class, full stop. The cool climate regions - Central Otago, Marlborough, Nelson, and Martinborough - produce Pinots with a depth and elegance that rivals Burgundy at a fraction of the price. In winter, reach for something with a bit of age and structure.
- Doctor's Flat Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022 - One of Central Otago's most sought-after producers. Concentrated, earthy, and built for the cellar - or a slow winter evening.
- Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Noir 2023 - A beautifully crafted Central Otago Pinot with dark cherry, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish.
- Soaring Skies Gladstone Pinot Noir 2022 - From the emerging Gladstone region in Wairarapa. Savoury, earthy, and drinking brilliantly right now.
- Blackenbrook Nelson Reserve Pinot Noir 2024 - Nelson's finest, with a freshness that balances beautifully against rich winter food.
- Domaine Rewa Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022 - Elegant and precise, from one of Central Otago's most exciting newer producers.
Syrah - Bold, Spiced, and Made for Winter
Hawkes Bay Syrah is New Zealand's most underrated red variety. Peppery, meaty, and deeply flavoured - it's the kind of wine that was made for slow-cooked lamb and cold nights.
- Beach House Hawkes Bay Syrah 2024 - Approachable and generous, with dark plum, cracked pepper, and a long, warming finish.
- Astrolabe Southern Valleys Syrah 2024 - From Marlborough's warmer inland valleys. Structured and spiced, with real depth.
- Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Syrah Viognier 2017 - A classic Rhone-style co-ferment from Waiheke. Aged, complex, and genuinely special.
Merlot, Cabernet & Bordeaux-Style Blends
Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's spiritual home of Bordeaux varieties. The warm, free-draining soils produce Merlots and Cabernets with real ripeness and structure - ideal for winter drinking.
- Ash Ridge Hawkes Bay Estate Merlot 2024 - Plush, velvety, and immediately satisfying. A winter staple.
- Ash Ridge Premium Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 - The full Bordeaux blend. Rich, layered, and built for red meat.
- Beach House Hawkes Bay Cabernet Franc 2024 - Cabernet Franc at its most expressive - leafy, spiced, and elegant. A great food wine.
- Tantalus Estate Waiheke Island Ecluse Merlot Cabernets 2019 - Aged Waiheke Bordeaux blend. Serious, structured, and worth every penny.
Something Different - Montepulciano
If you want to venture off the beaten track, Montepulciano is having a moment in New Zealand. Deeply coloured, richly fruited, and with a rustic charm that suits winter food brilliantly.
- Beach House Hawkes Bay Montepulciano 2024 - Bold and characterful, with dark cherry, dried herbs, and a grippy finish. Try it with pizza or pasta.
- Blackenbrook Nelson Reserve Montepulciano 2024 - Nelson's take on the variety. Generous and warming - a real winter red.
Want to Try a Producer Before Committing to a Full Case?
Each of our Sampler Sixes lets you explore a producer's full range across six bottles - the perfect way to find your winter red before stocking up. A few worth starting with:
- Beach House Sampler Six - Covers their Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Montepulciano and more. A great all-round introduction to one of Hawkes Bay's most exciting producers.
- Astrolabe Sampler Six - One of Marlborough's most respected independents, spanning Pinot Noir, Syrah, and beyond.
- Boneline Sampler Six - North Canterbury's most distinctive producer. Expect the unexpected.
- Village Vineyards Sampler Six - Hawkes Bay producers with a strong red lineup including their Arataki Block and New Year Blend.
- Grava Sampler Six - A unique range spanning NZ and Spanish varieties, including their Martinborough Pinot Noir and Mencia Tinto.
What to Eat With NZ Reds This Winter
Pinot Noir loves duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, and anything with earthy, umami depth. Syrah is made for lamb - slow-roasted shoulder, a good rack, or a hearty stew. Merlot and Cabernet blends are the classic match for beef - a Sunday roast, a good steak, or a slow-cooked braise. Montepulciano is your pizza and pasta wine, no question.
Whatever you open, pour generously and drink slowly. That's what winter is for.