Trading Up on New Zealand

Distinctive wines and producers' green mindset fuel consumer appeal for the top bottlings

- BY MARYANN WOROBIEC

Wine lovers everywhere have recognized New Zealand wines for their value and consistency. Recent trends also show that consumers are increasingly choosing to pay more for the wines, and this tiny wine-producing country—responsible for just 1% of the world's wine—is ready to position itself in the high-end wine market.

Since last year's report (“New Zealand's Success Story,” Oct. 31, 2024), 199 wines were reviewed in blind tastings. There are plenty of exciting Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, impressive Pinot Noirs (particularly from Central Otago), fresh Chardonnays and a variety of regions and styles to celebrate; 40% of the wines I reviewed scored 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator's 100-point scale.

One of New Zealand's distinguishing factors is that it is a sparsely populated country with 5 million residents. Yet it produces 31 million cases of wine annually—far more than its domestic market requires. As a result, wineries prioritize exporting their wine, with the United States remaining New Zealand's largest export market for the 16th consecutive year.

According to Wine Spectator sister publication Impact Databank, New Zealand wines gained ground again in 2024: Among the 10 largest sources of imported wine in the U.S., New Zealand stood out as the only country to post an increase last year. Premium-priced wines especially drove that growth, outperforming less expensive alternatives. Consumers are no longer turning to New Zealand just for affordable quaffs—they're actively seeking its wines for their quality.