Best Wines for the Kiwi Spring

Spring is a time of new beginnings, floral aromas and lots of fruit. But, with temperamental weather patterns the temperature always changes. You’ll be shopping for both lighter, refreshing wines and warmer wines.

In this guide, we’ll talk about what makes a ‘good’ spring wine, and how to choose the right wine for the right weather.

Quick guide to buying Spring wine

Look for:

Warmer Weather	Cold Snaps
Crispness and zest	Lighter-body	Medium to heavy body	Alcohol warmth

Which you'll find commonly in:

Sauvignon Blanc , Pinot Noir, Rose , Shiraz

What wine is best for the Kiwi spring?

Great spring wines are often characterised by fresh, fruity flavours to go with a feeling of ‘new beginnings’. Think a big citrus-forward Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing red berry Rose.

When the warmer weather hits, hunt for tasting notes like ‘crisp’ or ‘refreshing’ - that means acidity. White wine is your best bet here, with stone fruit Riesling or a fresh Pinot Gris to add to your list.

But, cold snaps are always a risk. Don’t get rid of all your winter warmers, though consider switching to lighter reds. Pinot Noir is the classic choice, or a lighter Shiraz with big cherry notes.

Find your spring wine

Refreshing spring wines

Sauvignon Blanc is the quintessential Kiwi spring wine, and with crisp acidity and citrus flavours it feels very refreshing on a warmer day.

Riesling is another popular choice for running the range from super dry all the way to gorgeously sweet. Don’t look past a peachy Marlborough Pinot Gris, either - this wine has a good balance of fruitiness and acidity.

As for reds, the choice isn’t as wide if you want something refreshing. A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir is the go-to here, or a zesty Rose.

Our pick of the most refreshing spring wines

Warming wines

People typically transition to lighter-bodied wines as soon as spring hits. But on those cooler days, you’ll still enjoy a hearty red like a plum-filled Shiraz or a darker Pinot Noir.

Cabernet Sauvignon often has a warm finish that’ll heat you from the inside out, or if you prefer a bold white instead, look to a full-bodied Gewürztraminer.

For an aperitif (wine served before food), fortified wine goes down a treat - though it may be too rich to serve with most food. 

Lastly, you could also heat a dark, fruity Merlot or Zinfandel to make mulled wine - the ultimate winter warmer.

Learn more: Winter wines & mulled wine

Our pick of the most warming spring wines

Best all-round wines

A good all-round wine can be enjoyed in any weather. In New Zealand, the classic all-rounders are Pinot Noir for red lovers, or Sauvignon Blanc for white lovers. Both are versatile, balanced, fruity, and you’ll find options for heavier or lighter varieties.

Rose is the other all-round choice, famous for pairing with just about anything - including spring’s temperamental weather. Look at the colour of the Rose to get an idea as to its flavour profile: light, salmony colours are often delicate and floral. Darker watermelon Rose will have a fuller body and more pronounced fruit flavours.

Our pick of the best all-round wines

• Rua Pinot Noir
• Luna Pinot Noir
• The Ned Pinot Rose
• Old Coach Road Rose

Find wine ideas for every season

Spring Wines Temperamental 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 Wines Summer is all about heat and humidity. Crisp, refreshing wines go down best, with lighter bodies and big fruity notes.

Autumn Wines You’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 Wines Look 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.