Source: New Zealand Winegrowers Statistical Annual 2009
In New Zealand close to a thousand hectares—roughly 3% of the country's vineyard area—are planted to Riesling. That puts Riesling into sixth place behind Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Gris. However, Riesling has been one of the fastest growing varieties in New Zealand in the last decade.