THE NEXT VOYAGE: Australia (1 Sept 2016)

Our voyage begins on the Northern tip of the South Island, in the largest and extremely popular region of Marlborough, where we find a distinctive style of new-world Sauvignon Blanc characterised by vividly pure fruit, depths of minerality, and unmistakable herbaceous grassy characteristics.

We'll be visiting Greywacke Wines, named after a drab, muddy grey sandstone which were found aplenty in the soils of their vineyard. Here, one of the region's pioneer winemakers, Kevin Judd, makes two beautiful Sauvignon Blancs - one with cultured yeast, and one fermented in old oak barrels using wild yeast. Try the difference!

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Then it's a short ride over to the Southern tip of the North Island, to the region of Wairarapa. Taste an example of New Zealand's flagship red wine, the Pinot Noir, which takes on a deeper and more textural expression in this particular region.

As we sail farther up along the east coast, we arrive at Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's second largest wine region. Blessed with abundant sunshine moderated by maritime influence, Hawke's Bay enjoys a long growing season and produces good Bordeaux blends and even Shiraz. Of the reds, Merlot is the most planted varietal.

Gladstone Pinot Noir, Wairarapa

Villa Maria Merlot, Hawke's Bay

At last, we take a long scenic ride way down South to Central Otago, the world's most Southerly wine producing region at 46 degrees South. Wide diurnal variations and short, hot summers with high sunshine, provide a harsh growing conditions which bring out the best in the vines. Pinot Noir is prevalent, as well as a range of aromatic varietals.

Misha's Vineyard Late Harvest Gewurztraniner, Central Otago

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