New Zealand ups its game in white wines

The grape arrived in New Zealand in the 1830’s, brought by Roman Catholic Missionaries. Wine production began but it was mostly for religious use or family consumption. It wasn’t until the 1960s when people were in a position to travel more and more easily (why? Passenger jet airplanes!), that some Kiwis began to contemplate a self-produced wine that would pair with local cuisine rather than importing from Europe.