New Zealand‘s largest city, Auckland, has become increasingly interested in sparkling wine. Local winemakers would love to capitalize on this relatively profitable market, as most of sparkling wine sold in another part of the world is imported. According to the latest data from the industry, New Zealand’s population will drink well over six million liters of sparkling wine that has been imported to their country by 2025, boosting the drink’s popularity and giving more opportunities to the local wineries.
The statistics indicate that the market is undergoing some changes. The import of classic Champagne has been affected by a price rise, while, on the other hand, the people still look for other sparkling wine types that are cheaper. Analysts from the industry consider that people have started seeking other options but still want to enjoy the sparkling wine experience.
One of the advocates of perceiving the trend as a positive opportunity is Vilaura of New Zealand. The company exclusively produces Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines. The founding director of the company, while speaking about the dominance of imported sparkling wines, has stated that this dominance should be treated not as a negative aspect but rather as proof of the industry’s flourishing, demonstrating the capacity of local companies to provide the local market with output that meets international standards.
New Zealand’s wine industry has experienced a significant surge in positive global sentiment as its exports gain exceptional momentum abroad. While the nation has long been internationally renowned for its crisp, high-quality Sauvignon Blanc, it has increasingly earned acclaim for producing refined, elegant sparkling wines. The remarkable achievement owes its origin to the unique cool-climate regions of this country, such as Marlborough and Central Otago, which create the right conditions for wine-making. Thus, New Zealand winemakers produce high-alcohol wines with remarkable aromas.
The acknowledgement of new producers is on the rise as well. Founders of Villaura, Jascha Oldham-Selak and Sanne Witteveen, recently received the title of Rising Star of the Year, as awarded at the 2026 Real Review Wine Awards. This recognition means that boutique New Zealand sparkling wine brands are increasingly becoming more relevant in the international marketplace.
An emerging trend in wine consumption over the past couple of years has changed the approach of wineries to sparkling wine production. Experts speculate that the market is now entering a new era, as consumers appear to be more likely to use sparkling wine as an everyday drink opposed to a drink reserved for celebration parties only. Even if local wineries manage to obtain just a small portion of all imported sparkling wine produced overseas, the sparkling wine market of New Zealand is likely to see its new and the most productive phase of evolution—turning imports into a reason for domestic producers to shine.
