New Zealand is a premier new-world wine country, producing award-winning wines. The cool climate wine growing regions, the grape varieties, soil structure and mini-climates in these geographical areas are varied, producing a broad spectrum of wines. The vineyards of New Zealand benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate (no vineyard is more than 120km, or 80 miles, from the ocean), long sunshine hours and nights cooled by sea breezes.
Some of the wine grapes that this new world is best known for include: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir as well as many sustainable and organic wines.