In pre-COVID-19 times, when people were free to roam the world, a survey of Kiwis planning to travel overseas undertaken by Booking.com found that around 14 percent of them were likely to take part in a winery tour during one of their planned holidays in 2020.
It's not just New Zealanders who are keen on venturing to the nation's vineyard - Tourism NZ says 25 percent of foreign tourists who visited Aotearoa in 2017 enjoyed a local wine experience.
Our borders may not be open, but the wine bottles are and vineyard experiences are unlikely to ever be as affordable as they are now.
Here's a handpicked selection of five of New Zealand's best accommodation options for unforgettable wine experiences:
Cable Bay Views, Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island, known for both its wine and its beauty, is often visited by celebrities from around the world. Just like its people, the island is very organic and this is reflected in its wineries.
Located in Oneroa, Cable Bay Views is a mixture of houses and apartments slapbang in between two of the country's most well known wine producers.
Mudbrick and Cable Bay each offer dining, cellar door sales and of course wine tastings. Both are just five minutes walk from Cable Bay Views.
The Marlborough Lodge, Marlborough
Marlborough is by far New Zealand's largest wine region, accounting for three quarters of the country's wine production, 70 percent of its vineyard area and 85 percent of its wine exports.
Blenheim's Marlborough Lodge is nestled within 16 acres of secluded parkland, 10 minutes drive from the centre of town. A bit further away are the shores of Oyster Bay. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently shared his love of oysters from the bay, as well as New Zealand wine in general. But don't let that put you off.
Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
I'll declare my bias here, I'm from Hawke's Bay so if I had my way, this list would be entirely made up of wineries from this region.
Located in Te Awanga is the Elephant Hill Wine Estate and the Te Awanga Cottages.
Hawke's Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand and the second largest. With a climate similar to the Bordeaux region of France, Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's leading producer of red wines, so fans of Syrah and Merlot, this one's for you.
Peppers Parehua Martinborough
The Martinborough wine village is home to more than 20 boutique vineyards and Peppers Parehua is a great place to base yourself when visiting.
Set on a large country estate with panoramic views of the Wairarapa wine-growing region, Peppers Parehua features an open-air bar and fine dining restaurant.
Even if you don't venture to many of the surrounding vineyards, it offers a lot to those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their accommodation.
Mt Michael Lodge, Central Otago
Central Otago produces world-class Pinot Noir and while the idea of cold winter nights may not seem inviting, add in a few glasses of a great red, a warm lodge and hot tub and you've got the makings of a pretty amazing weekend.
Each of the lodge's four rooms boast mountain, lake and vineyard views.
