Move over Bordeaux
21 Oct 2008
Marlborough - New Zealand's premier wine-growing region - has been ranked among the world's top 10 wine destinations by online travel community TripAdvisor.com.
That puts Marlborough, the only New Zealand wine region in the list, up there with Bordeaux, Napa and Barossa.
Listed as 'Blanc Stare', Marlborough is described as New Zealand's birthplace of winemaking, famous for its white wine varietals and best known for its "delectable" sauvignon blancs.
Top destinations
TripAdvisor's list of top destinations is based on feedback from travellers' personal experiences.
Other top destinations listed were: Bordeaux and Champagne-Ardenne, France; Napa and Sonoma valleys, California; Tuscany, Italy; Barossa Valley, Australia; La Rioja, Spain; Valle Central, Chile; Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Stunning achievement
Marcus Pickens, Wine Marlborough's marketing manager, said the region's appearance on the list was a stunning achievement for Marlborough.
"I wasn't surprised when I looked through the list and saw Marlborough ... It should be on that list."
He hoped the listing would help strengthen the tourism industry and Marlborough would continue to be recognised as a top wine region.
Holiday passion
TripAdvisor says wine lovers increasingly follow their passion on holiday by heading for wine regions, many of which now boast top hotels, restaurants and tours.
Marlborough, at the northern end of the South Island, is famous for its picturesque rolling vineyard landscapes and the stunning coastal scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. Protected by the Southern Alps to the west and the coast on the east, the dry sunny climate and free draining stony soil is ideally suited to viticulture.
Now the largest wine producing area in the country with around 11,000 hectares in production, the region is responsible for 62 percent of New Zealand's wine production. Regional production has more than quadrupled in the past 10 years, mainly fuelled by growing international acclaim for the local sauvignon blanc.
Marlborough Wine Festival
The region is also home to New Zealand's oldest food and wine festival. Now in its 26th year, the iconic three-day Marlborough Wine Festival kicks off on February 14 2009.
Set amongst the vines at the Montana Brancott Estate, the wine festival showcases the best of New Zealand wine, food and music to thousands of visitors. The unique selection of world famous wine and cuisine is topped off with a fashion contest and music from top New Zealand performers.
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