Nelson

German settlers planted Nelson's first wine grapevines in the mid-1800s. The modern industry developed in the 1970s. The two main growing areas are Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains. West of Nelson city, Moutere is slightly warmer and wetter, with gravel-threaded clay soils. Its wines tend to be richer, including Pinot Noir with fine tannins, which give a gentle drying grip. Waimea has stony soils deposited by rivers and a maritime influence. Its wines are often lighter and more aromatic, and it has seen most of the region's recent vineyard expansion. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lead the region alongside aromatic white grapes such as Pinot Gris. Sauvignon Blanc can have tropical-fruit and fresh-herb flavours, while Pinot Gris can combine rich flavours with refreshing acidity.