After a decade of tasting New Zealand wines, we thought it a good idea to release a list of NZ wineries which we consider 'First Growth', the cream of the crop.  We will keep it simple, no confusing 'maori' titles, just a plain old list of the best around. First the list, then later a write up on each winery as we look into what makes them a step up on other NZ wineries.

Its always difficult putting together a list like this, a few just missed out as they have a limited track record but may push for inclusion in the future (Craggy Range, Felton Road). Craggy Range in particular is just a moment in time from being included here - fantastic winery.  And Felton Road wow what a line up at 2006 Wine NZ!! A few missed out only just as wineries that were perhaps once classics but have been 'caught up' by the pack in recent years (Cloudy Bay, Martinborough Vineyards).  Many others have one or two fantastic wines in a lineup of other wines that perhaps are not quite so great. With others perhaps we simply dont try them enough for them to force us to front of mind!

These wineries, some have a limited range, seem to deliver right across the spectrum excellent to outstanding wines, year in year out.  They seem to defy vintage variation and continually lead to produce some of the absolute top wines in their respctive regions, and varietal categories year in and year out.  They produce wines with x factor, detail, style, class, breed, and restraint. They also seem to differentiate themselves in some special way

In the end this is our opinion, everyone is entitled to that

Kiwi Wine Fan Club NZ 'First Growth' Wineries

Kumeu River - Auckland
Stonyridge Vineyard - Waiheke Island
Te Mata Estate - Hawkes Bay
Unison Vineyards - Hawkes Bay
Dry River - Martinborough
Ata Rangi - Martinborough
Fromm La Strada - Marlborough
Neudorf Vineyards - Nelson
Pegasus Bay - Waipara