Wine Guides & Tips

5 Iconic New Zealand Dishes & Wine Pairings

Published 10 September 2025

Savour the flavours of New Zealand with these five iconic local recipes paired with our delicious Villa Maria wines

From our place, to yours

Wherever you are in the world, discover the magic of pairing New Zealand’s world-class wine and food. We’ve gathered five quintessentially local recipes, from pavlova to roast lamb, to perfectly complement your next Villa Maria experience.

 

 

Fresh

Panko Fish & Chips

Nothing says ‘Friday’ like Fish & Chips, or in this case, crispy herbed panko crumbed fish and beer-battered fries. Add a burst of zesty citrus and vibrant acidity from our Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and you have the perfect casual dinner.

Sunday

Roast Lamb with a Twist

This elegant roast rack of lamb pairs beautifully with wine that offers juicy red fruit and herbal hints, which is exactly what our Marlborough Pinot Noir delivers. Comforting and effortless, as every Sunday should be.

Festive

Mini Pavlovas with Passionfruit Curd

Light-as-air pavlova crowned with passionfruit curd and fresh fruit deserves a wine that matches its celebratory spirit. Our Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc bursts with passionfruit, tropical fruit, and crisp citrus, perfect for that special occasion.

Easy breezy

Mussel Fritters & Lemon Aioli

Golden mussel fritters, fresh from the pan, are made even better with a squeeze of lemon aioli and a glass of our Marlborough Riesling. Sit back and enjoy as the wine’s citrus and floral aromas, along with its subtle mineral finish, bring out the flavours in this coastal classic.

BBQ

Grilled Steak with a Bold Sauce

When you’re serving up steak draped in chimichurri, reach for something bold. Our Cabernet Merlot blend is big enough to stand up to the savoury flavours of this grilled steak and spicy sauce. It’s rich, balanced, and ready to take your BBQ to the next level.