Pinot Gris New Zealand’s second grape variety

Pinot Gris has stepped out of Pinot Noir’s shadow to become New Zealand’s second most important grape variety by volume, according to the 2025 New Zealand Wine Annual Report.

The latest figures show that 30,837 tonnes of Pinot Gris were harvested this year, edging ahead of Pinot Noir at 28,979 tonnes for the first time. Sauvignon Blanc remains dominant with a remarkable 402,564 tonnes, marking the country’s second-largest crush on record.

What makes this shift more striking is export demand. In 2024, Pinot Noir production was 10% higher than Pinot Gris, yet Pinot Gris sold better overseas, with 9.353 million litres exported compared to 8.365 million litres of Pinot Noir. The trend highlights a growing global appetite for Pinot Gris, as international markets increasingly favour its approachable, fruit-driven style.