Pinot Noir is Having a Moment, and New Zealand is Ready to Pour

As consumers increasingly seek lighter, fresher wine styles that suit modern lifestyles, New Zealand Pinot Noir is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

This International Pinot Noir Day, New Zealand Winegrowers invites wine lovers around the world to raise a glass to New Zealand's leading red wine export and rediscover a variety renowned for its vibrancy, versatility, and refreshing appeal.

While red wine has traditionally been associated with richer, heavier styles, today's consumers are embracing wines that feel lighter, approachable and adaptable across seasons and occasions. New Zealand Pinot Noir is perfectly positioned to meet that demand.

Known for its fruit flavours, silky texture and natural freshness, Pinot Noir offers all the enjoyment and complexity of a red wine while remaining lighter on its feet. Whether paired with food, shared with friends, or enjoyed lightly chilled on a warmer day, its versatility continues to attract a growing following among wine drinkers worldwide.

“New Zealand Pinot Noir is celebrated for its purity, vibrancy and sense of place, offering bright fruit, natural freshness and elegant structure,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Brand, New Zealand Winegrowers.

“It’s one of the world's most captivating grape varieties because it combines complexity with elegance. New Zealand's cool climate delivers a distinctive expression, with vibrant fruit, natural freshness and fine tannins that make our Pinot Noir both immediately appealing and incredibly versatile at the table with an array of cuisines around the world.”

The renewed enthusiasm for Pinot Noir also reflects broader trends in the way people are drinking wine. Consumers are increasingly seeking wines with freshness, balance and drinkability. As a result, Pinot Noir has become one of the most talked-about red wine styles among wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.

To mark International Pinot Noir Day, New Zealand Winegrowers is encouraging wine lovers to share their own Pinot Moments on social media using #LoveNZPinot, #NZWine and #PinotNoirDay.

Whether you're discovering New Zealand Pinot Noir for the first time or revisiting an old favourite, International Pinot Noir Day is the perfect opportunity to experience why this red continues to capture hearts around the world.

ENDS

Editor's Notes:

About New Zealand Wine:

·         New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries

·         New Zealand produces just over 1% of the world’s wine

·         New Zealand wine is New Zealand’s eighth-largest export good

·         New Zealand wine exports for 2025 were $2.10 billion

·         Pinot Noir is New Zealand's leading red wine export

·         International Pinot Noir Day is celebrated annually on 18 August.

·         View more information and download images here

 

About New Zealand Winegrowers:
New Zealand Winegrowers Inc. is the national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members and 700 winery members. nzwine.com.

 

Contact Information:

Juliana Foster

Global PR Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers

juliana.foster@nzwine.com

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