Wine regions: Canterbury/Waipara

Canterbury, around Christchurch on the central east coast of the South Island, represents a collection of mostly small and very diverse subregions. Waipara, one hour’s drive north of Christchurch, is by far the largest while each of Banks Peninsula to the east of the city, the plains west of Christchurch, the Cheviot Hills 40 minutes north of Waipara, and the limestone-rich Waikari Basin 15 minutes north west of Waipara have just a few producers each or, in the case of Cheviot Hills, a single winery. The region is cool and dry with a moderate risk of October and April frosts. Low rainfall and light soils of moderate fertility help control vine vigour and canopy here. Viticultural research at lincoln has had a considerable influence on selecting suitable vine varieties for the local growing conditions and in assisting local growers with viticultural techniques. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are, yet again, the region’s most planted varieties, with Pinot Gris in third place.