Facts

Key production figures

• The total Wellington/Wairarapa producing area is 758ha.
• The Wairarapa currently has 54 wineries, more than twice the 24 in the region in 1995.
  
• Predominant varieties for the 2006 vintage were: Pinot Noir (38%); Sauvignon Blanc (35%); Chardonnay (11%); Riesling (0.08%); Pinot Gris (0.03%).& the Cabernets(incl. Cab sauvignon & franc (0.012%); and   The remaining 16% includes Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Gewurztraminer et al.
  
• In 2007, the producing area in Wellington/Wairarapa represented just two percent of the total New Zealand wine producing area.

Growth forecasts out to 2009

• Industry forecasts to 2009 anticipate that Pinot Noir will continue to dominate this region with 53% of total production, followed by Sauvignon Blanc (18%), Chardonnay (10%) and Pinot Gris and Riesling (5% each).
  
• Forecasts point to an overall increase of 17% between now and 2009, or an extra 59 hectares of wine producing area.  Growth is predicted mainly in Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc production (another 39ha and 13ha respectively).
  
• Growth in producing area for 2006-2009 for the region is +120ha  (+25%).