Autumn wines
Autumn is a season of change, so your wine will start to change too. This is where Kiwis transition from their refreshing, tropical whites of summer towards the bold, spicy reds of winter.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what makes a ‘good’ autumn wine, and how to choose the right wine for the right weather.
Quick guide to buying autumn wine
Look for:
Warmer Weather | Colder Weather | ||
 |  |  |  |
Acidity and crispness | Zesty or tropical flavours | Medium to heavy body | Alcohol warmth |
Which you'll find commonly in:
Sauvignon Blanc , Merlot , Pinot Gris , Shiraz
What wine is best for a Kiwi autumn?
Autumn is a highly changeable season, so be prepared to mix up your wine choices to suit each day as it comes. When it gets colder, consider fuller-bodied, toastier reds. On lingering summer evenings, look instead for crispiness, zest and tropical fruit notes.
Merlot and Shiraz are two popular cold-weather reds for their body and berry notes, though you can still go for whites even on cool evenings - Chardonnay or Gewürztraminer.
Keep a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc handy if you like drier wines with big fruit flavours, and a crispy Pinot Gris is always excellent in the sun.
Unsure what the weather will do next? Consider Rose or Pinot Noir, both excellent all-rounders.
Find your autumn wine
Warming autumn reds
As the weather drops in temperature, start to transition away from refreshing, chilled wines towards fuller-bodied wines and alcohol warmth. Merlot is an approachable choice and a good starting point, full of ripe fruit and gentle tannins. A full-bodied Shiraz is your alternative, often featuring a higher alcohol concentration which adds warmth to every drop.
For a spicier red, try a Cabernet Sauvignon - hunting for toasty flavours, blackberries and chocolate.
Our pick of the best red wines for autumn
Autumn white wines
The start of Autumn is usually still warm, so don’t get rid of all your warm-weather whites. Riesling is a great cupboard staple, with options ranging from sweet to dry. Pinot Gris is also an easy win, balancing fruitiness and acidity which feels refreshing on a sunny evening.
Sauvignon Blanc is your next must-try, considered the wine which put NZ on the map. It's typically quite crisp, zesty and herbaceous, and not too sweet.
If you’d prefer to stick to whites even as the weather gets chillier, you’re not stuck: Chardonnay has buttery characteristics which are lovely on cooler days, and Gewürztraminer usually has an alcohol warmth to it that’ll feel warm on the inside.
Our pick of the best white wines for autumn
Best all-round wines
Good all-round wines can be enjoyed in any weather, and with a wide range of foods. This is perfect for autumn’s seasonal changes. Start with Pinot Noir, a classic red beloved by wine drinkers for its versatility and big red-fruit notes. Keep a Chardonnay handy too - you’ll love the creaminess as things get colder, plus the fruitiness (think peach, mango and tropical fruits).
For another all-seasons wine, many Kiwis turn instead to Rose. It’ll pair with just about anything, and it has an incredible range - allowing you to shop for the weather. Look for darker-coloured Roses when it’s chilly, and lighter-coloured Roses when it’s warmer.
Our pick of the best all-round wines
Find wine ideas for every season
 Spring WinesTemperamental spring starts crisp and ends up warm, so your wine will do the opposite. Start bold and move towards crisp as the sun heats up. |  Summer WinesSummer is all about heat and humidity. Crisp, refreshing wines go down best, with lighter bodies and big fruity notes. |  Autumn WinesYou’ll get weather from all seasons in autumn. Crisp summer wines will still work great, but you’ll move towards winter warmers as it gets colder. | Winter WinesLook for warmth and comfort in winter. Fuller-bodied wines and higher alcohol volume will feel warming as you drink, especially with toasty or spicy flavours. |
