With a Heritage & Character Inns' wine trail you will explore some of the premier vineyards and wineries in New Zealand.

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Qualmark

Responsible Tourism As New Zealand's official mark of quality for tourism, Qualmark® is extending and enhancing its environmental and social assessment criteria for accommodation providers.
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Wine trails

Heritage & Character Inns - Fine Lodges Throughout New Zealand

Heritage & Character Inns' wine trails allow you to explore some of the premier vineyards and wineries in New Zealand, they showcase some of our internationally acclaimed wines while accommodating you in the finest lodges in New Zealand.

There are award-winning wineries from the tip of the North Island and close to the bottom of the South - a veritable feast!! There are also a number of guidebooks on wine for the seriously interested. Many wineries are open for tastings as well as wine sales, and often have wine bars and cafes as well. Simply select an area of interest and spend your days exploring some of our most prized wineries. Then, as evening approaches, enjoy the finest lodges New Zealand has to offer and sample some of the regions freshest produce with the spoils of the day.

Of the several wine regions, Marlborough is the most heavily planted, producing 52% of New Zealand's product. Their main varietals are Sauvigion Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Reisling.

Hawkes Bay is the second largest area, producing one-third of New Zealand's Chardonnay plus bulk grapes.

Auckland has many growers, some of the earliest in the country, and specializes in Cabernet Sauvigion based reds.

Recently the little town of Martinborough in the Wairarapa became known internationally when they won the best Pinot Noir over the French in the London Wine Show, going on to win further world awards. The Martinborough wineries have increased dramatically since then.

The other significant area for Pinot Noir is Central Otago, near Queenstown and Wanaka.

Please visit www.nzwine.com for detailed information on New Zealand's wine regions.

Heritage & Character Inns' wine trails include famous and historic vineyards often located in spectacular locations. Our wine trails showcase a region's must see and do attractions with some of the finest inns, bed and breakfasts and luxury lodges in New Zealand.

"Heritage & Character Inns - promoting boutique luxury lodges in New Zealand since 1994."