In Aotearoa New Zealand, the vintage season rolls around each year with the start of Autumn, kicking off in March and running through to May. It’s a time of buzz and energy in the vineyards, as grapes are carefully picked at their peak ripeness. Winemakers say this timing is key, as it’s all about capturing the best flavours from the fruit.
The 2025 vintage is shaping up to be a real standout. Across New Zealand’s world-renowned wine regions, from Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc-filled valleys to Central Otago’s cool-climate Pinot Noir slopes, the harvest has been a blend of sunny days and cool, crisp nights.
In this two-part article, here are some of New Zealand’s best wineries in the South Island to sip and savour during the 2025 wine vintage season:
Whakatu Nelson:
Neudorf Vineyards: Visit for a laidback wine experience, accompanied by a picnic basket of handpicked local goodies. This winery highlights the Chardonnay range as well as a mix of emerging varieties and family favourites.
Seifried Winery: Seifried Estate, Nelson's pioneering family-owned winery, is celebrated for its innovation as Aotearoa New Zealand's first winery to craft Zweigelt and Grüner Veltliner wines. Established in 1973, their sustainable practices and dedication to producing exceptional wines reflect the region's unique climate and rich soil, offering an authentic and distinctive wine experience.
Te Tauihu-o-te-waka Marlborough:
Cloudy Bay: Beyond the quality of the wine, Cloudy Bay upholds organic practices. Discover the wines with a tasting menu or enjoy a unique lunch at Jack’s Raw Bar over the Summer. Surrounded by the Richmond Ranges (which inspired the label), it's a spectacular place to wine and dine.
Dog Point: This winery takes advantage of a sunny and dry climate, delivering wines of uncompromising quality. As a family-owned and privately established vineyard, Dog Point insists on low-cropped vines and hand-picked fruit while adhering to an organic regime.
Villa Maria: As a geographically and stylistically diverse winery, Villa Maria boasts 60 years of experience in the wine industry. Offering distinctive and vibrant wines, this winery draws upon the ideal environment to grow a range of grape varieties.
Waitaha Canterbury:
Pegasus Bay: The vineyard produces optimally ripened, high-quality, flavourful grapes, expressing the qualities of this unique setting. Pegasus Bay exemplifies Canterbury as an ideal host for viticulture.
Greystone: Greystone Wines is celebrated for its organic and biodynamic winemaking practices, producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique limestone-rich terroir of the Waipara Valley. Known for its innovative approach, including wild fermentation directly in the vineyard, Greystone offers a truly distinctive wine experience.
Maniototo Central Otago:
Felton Road: The wine quality starts in the vineyard. Felton Road displays a distinct soil and climate as well as a north facing hillside vineyard to deliver wines at the top of everyone’s score sheet.
Quartz Reef: Quartz Reef Wines upholds a philosophy of holistic farming. Through crafting exceptional wines and delivering sensational experiences, Quartz Reef offers a unique approach to wine. Welcoming guests to be a part of the journey, Quartz Reef invites you to join an engaging experience, learning how to handcraft signature wines and discover a deep commitment to the land for future generations.
Mount Difficulty: Despite its name, Mount Difficulty delivers an experience like no other with ease. Visiting the Cellar Door and world-class restaurant will invite you to marvel at views of Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin, all while sipping a glass of wine and nibbling on a platter. The unique vineyard area of Bannockburn hosts wines that celebrate both time and place.
