Wine from Nelson - South Island

Nelson is located at the tip of the South Island and is said to resemble the prow of the waka (Maori canoe) of Maui, a famous Maori hero and explorer. Nelson is the country's eighth largest wine region. The vineyards occupy scattered pockets with orchards, market gardens and farms. Soil structure tends to clay loams over hard clay subsoil. The region is sheltered from rain by mountains to the west while proximity to the sea has the effect of moderating temperature extremes.

Nelson vineyards concentrate on grape varieties suited to cooler conditions, with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir accounting for over 80% of the grapes grown.