The Italian Aperitivo in New Zealand: Prosecco DOC as the New Trend

It’s the Italian aperitivo, and it’s found an unexpectedly warm welcome among New Zealand’s rolling hills and wild coastlines.

And if there’s one word that captures this new ritual of taste, it’s Prosecco DOC.

Lively, refreshing, approachable yet elegant, Prosecco DOC is fast becoming a symbol of a new drinking culture in the country. Import numbers speak for themselves—but even more telling are the wine bars of Auckland, the picnic baskets in Christchurch parks, and the terraces overlooking Wellington Harbour.

New Zealand’s younger, curious, and increasingly cosmopolitan consumers are seeking experiences that combine quality with ease. With its balance of lightness and character, Prosecco DOC has become the go-to wine for those moments that aren’t quite lunch and not yet dinner—but something more cultural: a pause dedicated to flavor and connection.

Take a stroll through Ponsonby in Auckland or along Cuba Street in Wellington, and you’ll find venues offering a fresh take: a glass of Prosecco DOC, small plates to share, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Italian aperitivo becomes a social ritual, embracing New Zealand’s slower pace while still staying in step with global trends.

Some spots are even reimagining cicchetti—Venetian-style small bites—with a local twist: Prosecco DOC served alongside smoked salmon crostini, artisanal New Zealand cheeses, marinated olives, or Mediterranean favorites like arancini and focaccia.
This cultural exchange unfolds through flavors and pairings—through the glass, a dialogue begins.

And when the weekend comes around?
Cities empty, parks and beaches fill. That’s where Prosecco DOC finds its second life—as a picnic wine, a sunny-day staple, a companion for relaxed gatherings. With its moderate alcohol content and easy pairings, it’s ideal for enjoying an alfresco aperitivo—no fuss, just flavor.

What’s happening in New Zealand isn’t just a wine trend—it’s the adoption of a small piece of Italian culture.
Aperitivo is a way of living time: a pause between work and dinner, between the day’s demands and the night ahead. It’s an invitation to slow down, talk, and toast.

In this context, Prosecco becomes the perfect ambassador of what Italians call la dolce vita: a wine that doesn’t ask for formality, but brings with it a sense of simple, everyday beauty meant to be shared.

It’s no surprise, then, that more and more New Zealand wine shops and bars are carving out space for Italian labels.
And among them, Prosecco DOC stands out for its ability to speak to everyone: wine lovers, curious newcomers, and anyone looking for a versatile bottle to bring to a picnic, a party, or a friend’s house.

The success of Prosecco DOC in New Zealand had its crowning moment at the Auckland Italian Festival, where it was featured as the Official Sparkling Wine.
Launched with an exclusive opening event on February 10, 2025, and celebrated again during the main festival day on February 23, Prosecco DOC took center stage for over 15,000 attendees, guiding them on a journey of Italian flavor and culture.
From the elegant toasts at the launch party to the buzzing festival bar, its signature freshness paired effortlessly with the cheerful, social spirit of the event—leaving a lasting impression on the New Zealand audience.

The rise of the Italian aperitivo in New Zealand is a fascinating example of how food and wine rituals can travel, adapt, and take root even in cultures far from their origins.
It’s proof that when Italian taste is authentic, it becomes a universal language.

And if today Prosecco DOC is on New Zealand wine lists and in picnic coolers, tomorrow it might be the star of new local twists on the spritz—or the go-to toast for weekends spent outdoors with friends.

Because in the end, whether you’re raising a glass to the Adriatic or the Tasman Sea, the joy is the same: being together, smiling, and saying one simple thing—Cin Cin.