Wines from sweet to dry

Sweet wine retains more sugar after the winemaking process, offering rich, fruitier flavours. Dry wines are crisp and less sugary, with flavours often leaning toward tart, earthy, or mineral notes. 

There’s quite a range, so where do you start?

We’ve organised popular New Zealand wine varietals from the sweetest of the sweet to bone-dry, making it easier to find your way around our wine shelves. 

Let’s help you find a bottle that suits your taste and complements what you’re planning to eat.

White wines from sweet to dry

Moscato

Exceptionally sweet and fruity, Moscato is often light-bodied with notes of peach, apricot, and honey. Perfect for those who enjoy dessert-like wines.

Riesling

Known for its versatility, Riesling can range from sweet to dry. Expect vibrant citrus and floral notes with a delicate sweetness in many bottles. 

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Gewürztraminer

Aromatic and slightly sweet, Gewürztraminer is rich with lychee, rose, and spice flavours. It’s ideal for fans of bold, floral wines.

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Pinot Gris

Medium-bodied and off-dry, Pinot Gris balances subtle sweetness with stone fruit and pear notes. It’s smooth and food-friendly.

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Sauvignon Blanc

Typically dry, this quintessential New Zealand white bursts with bright acidity and tropical flavours like passionfruit and lime. Refreshing and zesty.

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Chardonnay

Dry and complex, Chardonnay showcases flavours from crisp apple and citrus to creamy vanilla and toast, depending on the winemaking style.

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Red wines from sweet to dry

Merlot

Soft and smooth, Merlot offers a hint of sweetness with lush plum and berry flavours, making it an easy-drinking red.

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Pinot Noir

A delicate, dry red, Pinot Noir highlights red fruit flavours like cherry and strawberry with a subtle earthiness. Elegant and approachable.

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Shiraz/Syrah

Dry with bold character, Syrah delivers dark fruit, pepper, and spice, offering a richer and more intense red wine experience.

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Cabernet Sauvignon

The driest and most full-bodied of the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon has firm tannins and flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and herbs.

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Sparkling wines from sweet to dry

Moscato d’Asti

Sweet and slightly fizzy, this sparkling wine bursts with fruity, floral flavours. Perfect for celebrations or desserts. 

Prosecco

Off-dry with lively bubbles, Prosecco offers fresh apple and pear notes, making it a light, crowd-pleasing choice. 

Cava

This dry, Spanish sparkling wine has crisp citrus and nutty undertones. It's a refreshing alternative to Champagne. 

Champagne

Typically dry, Champagne is complex and elegant, with notes of brioche, citrus, and fine bubbles.