British colonists began the cultivation of New Zealand wines.  The regions for New Zealand wines are mostly confined to the country’s valleys, protected from weather extremes and subject to easy draining.  Alluvial soils, sandstone beds, and dry riverbeds make up the majority of New Zealand wine soils.  New Zealand wines regions include Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Waipara, and Martinborough.  New Zealand is known for the use of blends, with popular New Zealand wine varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, and Montepulciano.  Pinot Noir has become especially popular as a New Zealand wine export.