New Zealand Beyond Sauvignon Blanc - Discovery Case

New Zealand Beyond Sauvignon Blanc: Discover a Different Side of New Zealand Wine

When most people think of New Zealand wine, one grape immediately springs to mind: Sauvignon Blanc. And understandably so. With its unmistakable freshness, vibrant tropical fruit and zesty character, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has earned its place among the world's most recognisable wines.

But there's a lot more to New Zealand's vineyards than its most famous export.

From the remarkable Pinot Noirs of Central Otago to the elegant Syrahs of Hawke's Bay, and from beautifully crafted Chardonnays to expressive Rieslings, New Zealand has become one of the most exciting countries for wine lovers looking to explore something different.

Our New Zealand Beyond Sauvignon Blanc Discovery Case brings together six carefully selected wines from five distinctive wine regions, offering a fascinating introduction to the diversity of New Zealand red and white wines.

Featuring three white wines and three red wines, this mixed wine case is an invitation to discover the grapes, regions and producers that deserve just as much attention as the country's celebrated Sauvignon Blanc.

What's Inside the New Zealand Wine Discovery Case?

White Wines

1. Kumeu River Village Pinot Gris

Region: Auckland | Grape: Pinot Gris

Produced by the renowned Brajkovich family, Kumeu River has established an international reputation for crafting some of New Zealand's finest white wines.

This Pinot Gris offers an appealing expression of the variety, combining generous orchard fruit, delicate floral notes and a beautifully balanced texture. Fresh yet rounded, it demonstrates how New Zealand can bring elegance and personality to a grape often associated with European vineyards.

Why we chose it: A wonderful introduction to Auckland's winemaking heritage and a delicious reminder that Pinot Gris deserves a place alongside New Zealand's more famous white varieties.

2. Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay

Region: Marlborough | Grape: Chardonnay

Marlborough may be synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, but its Chardonnay can be equally captivating.

Crafted by Saint Clair Family Estate, this beautifully expressive Chardonnay reveals aromas of ripe peach, nectarine and toasted hazelnuts, complemented by delicate spice and subtle smoky notes. The palate is generous and rounded, with a lovely balance between fruit richness and freshness.

Why we chose it: An excellent example of Marlborough's versatility, proving that the region has far more to offer than aromatic Sauvignon Blanc.

3. Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling

Region: North Canterbury | Grape: Riesling

One of the standout wines in this collection comes from Pegasus Bay, a family winery that has played an important role in establishing North Canterbury's reputation for exceptional wines.

Bel Canto Riesling is a beautifully complex and expressive wine, offering enticing aromas of citrus blossom, apricot, lime and delicate mineral notes. Richness and concentration are balanced by vibrant acidity, creating an elegant, structured wine with a wonderfully persistent finish.

Why we chose it: A superb demonstration of New Zealand's ability to produce world class Riesling, combining intensity, finesse and remarkable character.

Red Wines

4. Falconhead Marlborough Pinot Noir

Region: Marlborough | Grape: Pinot Noir

Our journey into New Zealand reds begins in Marlborough, where Pinot Noir has developed an increasingly strong reputation alongside the region's famous white wines.

Falconhead offers an approachable introduction to the variety, with an inviting fruit character and the freshness that makes New Zealand Pinot Noir such an enjoyable and versatile style.

Why we chose it: An accessible introduction to Marlborough Pinot Noir and the perfect starting point for comparing how this fascinating grape expresses itself in different New Zealand regions.

5. Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir

Region: Central Otago | Grape: Pinot Noir

Central Otago is one of the world's most southerly wine regions and has earned an outstanding reputation for its distinctive Pinot Noir.

Produced by Mt Difficulty, one of the region's pioneering wineries, Roaring Meg beautifully captures the character of Central Otago. Expect expressive red and black berry fruit, subtle oak spice, silky tannins and a vibrant freshness that brings everything together.

Why we chose it: Central Otago is an essential stop on any exploration of New Zealand wine. Tasting this alongside the Falconhead Pinot Noir provides a fascinating opportunity to discover how the same grape can develop different personalities depending on where it grows.

6. Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah

Region: Hawke's Bay | Grape: Syrah

If you thought New Zealand was all about elegant Pinot Noir, Hawke's Bay has a rather convincing argument to the contrary.

Trinity Hill is one of the region's most respected producers, with a long history of exploring the potential of Hawke's Bay's diverse vineyards.

Their Syrah is wonderfully expressive, combining ripe blackberry fruit with fragrant spice, liquorice and a beautifully balanced structure. Approachable yet complex, it offers an exciting alternative to the more familiar Shiraz styles of neighbouring Australia.

Why we chose it: A brilliant introduction to New Zealand Syrah, showcasing the elegance, aromatic complexity and fresh fruit character that have made Hawke's Bay increasingly popular with discerning wine lovers.

Five New Zealand Wine Regions, Six Distinctive Wines

What makes this New Zealand mixed wine case particularly interesting is the opportunity to explore the country's remarkable geographical diversity through the glass.

• Auckland: One of New Zealand's historic winemaking areas, home to producers such as Kumeu River, who have helped establish the country's international reputation for premium white wines.
• Marlborough: Famous for Sauvignon Blanc, but increasingly recognised for excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• North Canterbury: A fascinating region where long growing seasons and distinctive vineyard sites produce expressive wines, particularly Riesling and Pinot Noir.
• Central Otago: Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, continental climate and exceptional Pinot Noir, often displaying concentrated fruit, freshness and elegant structure.
• Hawke's Bay: One of New Zealand's leading regions for fuller bodied red wines, particularly Syrah and Bordeaux grape varieties.

Each region brings something different to the table, making this collection as educational as it is enjoyable.

Why Choose Our New Zealand Beyond Sauvignon Blanc Discovery Case?

At Hay Wines, we believe that some of the greatest pleasures in wine come from discovering something unexpected.

Our New Zealand wine selection has been carefully assembled to offer:

• Six distinctive New Zealand wines: Three whites and three reds, chosen for their quality, character and regional expression.
• Five fascinating wine regions: Explore Auckland, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Central Otago and Hawke's Bay.
• Five different grape varieties: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
• A comparison of two Pinot Noir styles: Discover the differences between Marlborough and Central Otago.
• Established and respected producers: A selection of wineries that showcase the quality and diversity of modern New Zealand winemaking.
• Excellent discovery potential: Perfect for curious wine drinkers, enthusiasts and anyone looking to expand their knowledge beyond familiar favourites.

The Perfect New Zealand Wine Gift or Tasting Experience

Whether you're organising a wine tasting at home, looking for an interesting gift for a wine lover or simply keen to explore New Zealand's remarkable wine scene, this six bottle collection offers plenty to discover.

For an especially enjoyable tasting experience, try serving the two Pinot Noirs side by side. Comparing Marlborough with Central Otago is a wonderful way to appreciate the influence of climate, geography and winemaking on the character of a wine.

And if you're already a devoted Sauvignon Blanc enthusiast, don't worry. We're not asking you to abandon your favourite. We're simply suggesting that New Zealand has a few more introductions to make.

Discover More New Zealand Wines with Hay Wines

Explore our wider collection of New Zealand wines and discover even more exciting producers, grape varieties and regions.

Six bottles. Five regions. A whole new perspective on New Zealand wine.

Enjoy FREE UK Standard Delivery with this Discovery Case.

Please note: This Discovery Case contains one 75cl bottle of each of the six wines listed above. Wine vintages may vary according to availability. In the unlikely event that a selected wine becomes unavailable, we will contact you to discuss a suitable alternative of equivalent or higher value.