The new look Kōparepare wines have arrived at Regional and represent not only great value for also great integrity. The word Kōparepare is Maori for gift or contribution and is the name of this new range of wines, $1 of which from every bottle goes towards protecting New Zealand's marine environment.  The brand has been garnering glowing reviews and a strong media presence since they were released this month with a new label, new packaging and two varieties added to the range this year from the 2020 vintage, including a lighter in alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. Read more independent media stories on Stuff.co.nz  here and on...

Next stop, Greystone Wines, situated on the main State Highway in the Waipara Valley, which is the heart of North Canterbury's wine region and the hub from which other tendrils of tasty wine sub regions spread out.  Greystone's viticulturist Mike Saunders took us to the winery to taste barrel samples of Sauvignon Blanc (100% of which is barrel fermented at Greystone) as well as some stunning Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and even a Syrah. All wines we tasted were from barrel with the exception of a Pinot Noir from a 1000 litre amphora, pictured above.  Greystone also has new labels and...

There was a lot to love on our trip to North Canterbury this year. A vineyard walk along the precipitous slopes of the Waipara River at The Boneline revealed surprisingly indepth insights into how the ferocious wind defines the concentrated style of wines in this outstanding, often under rated wine region. Then there was the food at Black Estate and Greystone and the incredible tasting of 42 wines with Mat Donaldson, maker of Maestro and superlative Rieslings in every style imaginable.  Store owner Geoff Henderson generously took seven of us to this great wine region to visit some of the best...

We are thrilled to feature Kumeu River Wines as our winery of the month for October and will have special deals for the month.  You can buy these wines here or on the links below. Chardonnay rules at Kumeu River Wines in West Auckland, one of the smallest wine regions in the country with just 319 hectares of vines (up from 316 last year) and a mere five grape growers. Kumeu River Wines owns 30 hectares of grapes, buys another 10 hectares from contract growers in Auckland and makes about 250,000 bottles annually, exporting 50% of its wines. This iconic producer is widely regarded as...

Thomas Pico is the man behind our newest Chablis in store here at Regional Wines. His wine brand is Pattes Loup, which means wolf's paws and is the name of the land his grandfather gave him, only he has changed the course of his father's winegrowing legacy by turning his into organically certified vineyards. Pico is based in the village of Courgis in Burgundy's northernmost outpost. Inspired by a grape growing grandfather who told Pico "Not to make the same mistakes that I did", he stopped spraying his vines with herbicides when he returned to Courgis in 2004 after several years...