NZ Wine Vintage 2025

A standout vintage for New Zealand

The 2025 New Zealand wine vintage is being hailed as a standout year, marked by excellent fruit quality across all major wine regions. Growers experienced a season of near-perfect conditions. Regions like Northland and Auckland reported dry, stable weather that allowed for optimal ripening and flexible harvest timing. Waiheke Island, in particular, enjoyed what some growers described as a “California-like” summer, with consistent sunshine and minimal disease pressure, leading to beautifully ripe grapes and happy winemakers.

In Auckland, the season was the driest since 1958, with moderate temperatures and an early harvest. Chardonnay emerged as a star performer, showing excellent sugar levels and bright, balanced acidity. Meanwhile, Gisborne and other eastern regions also benefited from early harvests and even growing conditions, resulting in strong yields and well-set fruit across varieties. 

Industry-wide, the vintage is being described as a “return to form” after two lighter years. Winemakers are optimistic about the finesse and varietal expression of the 2025 wines, with early tastings suggesting a vintage of charm and balance. AI generated.