While the effects of global warming continue to cause problems for the Australian wine industry, their counterparts in New Zealand are preparing to reap the benefits of a temperature rise.

Weather is one of the most important variables in producing great wine. Australia’s vast tracts of hot, sunny land have made it a global wine exporting force, while New Zealand’s colder climate has resulted in wines being produced mainly in small areas with their own warm and sunny microclimates. The biggest wine areas are Gisborne and Hawke’s bay on the North Island’s east coast and Marlborough in the South Island.  

So a rise in temperatures could mean good things for the New Zealand wine industry, which has been known for producing great white wines but has never been able to produce a quantity that would capitalize on their quality. Philip Gregan, chief executive of the industry group New Zealand Winegrowers, said: “The big picture for New Zealand wine is very, very good.”