New Zealand may be a small island nation, but its impact on the global wine stage is monumental. The country’s viticultural landscape has been transformed by the rise of Sauvignon Blanc since the 1980s and of Pinot Noir since the 1990s.
Join us this March for a journey of discovery across both islands, North Island and South Island, where we’ll go beyond the usual tourist trails to meet the winemakers redefining and revolutionised these shores, living legends.
We start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, with some spectacular experiences on the way.
Our adventure spans the sun-drenched Marlborough plains, famous for crisp, tropical Sauvignon Blancs with far greater variety and depth of style and quality than it is sometimes credited with, to the dramatic hills of Central Otago, old gold-mining country rivalling Klondike (!), where Pinot Noir today rivals Burgundy’s finest.
We’ll explore the elegant Syrahs of Hawke’s Bay and cross the waters to Waiheke Island to taste powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. The diversity is striking, reflecting the varied climates and magnificent scenery that make New Zealand so special.
With BKWine, your experience of the country and the people is intimate and exclusive. You’ll enjoy some twenty very private winery visits, including premium estates such as Felton Road, and many gourmet meals served right at the vineyards, featuring fresh local produce and artisanal cheeses, allowing you to explore your favourite food-and-wine combinations.
Beyond the cellar door, we immerse ourselves in the local soul with a Māori cultural encounter (an evening with a Māori family and a visit to a craft workshop) and explorations of the country’s unique geothermal areas (sometimes rather stinking sulphur mud-pools) and scenic coastlines, including a lobster fest. What about a boat excursion on a glacier lake? Bungee jumping at the place of origin of this crazy sport? (No, you don’t have to jump; others do.)
From private tastings to behind-the-scenes access, this tour is a celebration of both innovation and tradition. It’s an opportunity to fill your cellar with new favourites – or perhaps above all, to gain new experiences and unique insights into this country – while soaking up the breathtaking beauty of this faraway paradise.
Are you ready for a taste sensation like no other?
You will be travelling with both Britt and Per on this journey of discovery.
Come on this stunning wine tour to New Zealand with Britt and Per of BKWine, one of the world’s leading wine tour operators.
Book now!
Wine Travel at Its Finest
When you travel with BKWine, you travel with true wine authorities: Britt and Per Karlsson. For over 20 years, we have personally created and led hundreds of tours for thousands of wine lovers across Europe, South Africa, South America, and Oceania. We are the authors of 13 award-winning books, recognised by the Swedish Academy of Gastronomy, Gourmand International, and the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Our publications are frequently used as core material in both professional and enthusiast wine education.
Our expertise is globally recognised. We have been named “Best Wine Guide” and “Best Wine Tour Operator” by the Wine Travel Awards, and our journeys have been hailed as the “World’s Top Wine Tours” by the world’s leading travel media. Beyond our tours, we write in-depth on wine for BKWine Magazine and are regular contributors to Forbes.com and frequently serve as expert judges in prestigious international wine competitions. We have also acted as speakers and advisors on wine tourism for organisations, regions and nations including the UN (UNWTO), The World Bank, Vinitaly, Ukraine, the Languedoc and others.
Our mission is to provide you with an unparalleled wine and culinary experience. The gastronomy on our tours is legendary. Because we personally design every itinerary and have visited thousands of estates over the decades, we know exactly where to find the most authentic people and the most unique, hidden gems. We don’t always take you to “the big and famous”—that would be too easy. Instead, we focus on unique rencontres: meaningful encounters with people, wine, and food.
We aren’t here to sell you bottles; we are here to provide a profound wine experience and memories that last a lifetime—all while ensuring you have a truly wonderful time. When you choose BKWine, you are travelling with the experts, with Britt and Per, who created the journey, ensuring you receive the very best experience possible.
