Five New Zealand wineries to discover at Busan’s New Zealand Wine Festival Jun. 27

(Photo by Kiwi Chamber/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

One of Busan’s most anticipated food and wine events returns this month as the New Zealand Wine Festival takes over the Park Hyatt Busan on June 27.

Hosted by the Kiwi Chamber, the annual event brings together more than 20 wineries from across New Zealand, offering guests the chance to sample a wide range of wines while enjoying a buffet dinner overlooking the city and marina.

Tickets can be purchased at the Kiwi Chamber website.

Whether you’re already familiar with New Zealand wine or simply looking to discover something new, the festival offers an excellent opportunity to explore producers from some of the country’s most celebrated wine regions.

While there will be plenty to taste throughout the evening, here are five wineries worth seeking out.

Cloudy Bay

Few wineries have done more to shape New Zealand’s global reputation than Cloudy Bay.

Founded in 1985, it was one of the pioneering wineries that helped establish Marlborough as one of the world’s premier wine regions. Today, Cloudy Bay remains synonymous with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, producing wines known for their bright citrus character, tropical fruit notes, and crisp acidity.

For many wine enthusiasts, a visit to a New Zealand wine event isn’t complete without a stop at the Cloudy Bay table.

Te Kano Estate

Located in Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, Te Kano Estate has quickly built a reputation for premium wines that reflect the dramatic landscapes of the region.

Central Otago is particularly famous for Pinot Noir, and Te Kano’s wines showcase the cool climate and rugged terrain that make the area one of the world’s most exciting wine-producing regions. The winery takes its name from the Māori word for “seed,” reflecting a philosophy rooted in the land and its natural environment.

Yealands

Sustainability has become a major focus within the wine industry, and few producers have embraced it as completely as Yealands.

Home to New Zealand’s largest single vineyard, the Marlborough-based winery benefits from coastal breezes and ocean fog that help create wines with vibrant acidity and pronounced minerality. Its Sauvignon Blanc remains one of the country’s most recognizable labels, balancing fresh herbal notes with concentrated fruit flavors.

Yealands has also become known internationally for its innovative environmental initiatives, making it one of New Zealand’s most forward-thinking wineries.

Tapi

For those looking to discover a producer that may be less familiar than some of the larger names, Tapi is worth a closer look.

Produced by the A&K Wine Group in Marlborough, Tapi focuses on small-production wines and sustainable vineyard practices. The winery has earned repeated recognition at organic wine competitions and has built a reputation for producing food-friendly wines that pair naturally with a variety of cuisines.

Its Sauvignon Blanc, in particular, has attracted attention for its quality and consistency.

Astrolabe

Named after the navigation instrument once used by explorers, Astrolabe reflects a spirit of discovery that has helped make it one of Marlborough’s most respected boutique wineries.

Founded by winemaker Simon Waghorn, the winery focuses on expressing the diverse terroir of Marlborough through a range of aromatic white wines and Pinot Noir. Astrolabe’s wines are often praised for their balance, elegance, and sense of place, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the most widely known labels.

New Wineries Worth Discovering

One of the advantages of attending the festival is the opportunity to discover producers that may not yet be household names in Korea.

Visitors may want to keep an eye out for wineries such as Loveblock Vineyards, founded by renowned winemaker Kim Crawford, biodynamic Pinot Noir specialist Burn Cottage, Hawke’s Bay producer Bilancia, and Greywacke, the project of legendary Marlborough winemaker Kevin Judd.

Newer producers such as Eva Pemper are also helping showcase the diversity and innovation that continue to drive New Zealand’s wine industry forward.

Event Information

The New Zealand Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, June 27, at the Park Hyatt Busan from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets are priced at 180,000 won for Kiwi Chamber members, 200,000 won for non-members, and 180,000 won per person for groups of eight or more.

With more than 20 wineries participating, the event offers one of the best opportunities of the year for Busan wine lovers to experience the depth and diversity of New Zealand wine without leaving the city.

Tickets can be purchased at the Kiwi Chamber website.

Fleet Chinhae