Auckland

Auckland is not only New Zealand’s largest city, it is also a large and diverse wine region, with visitor experiences to reflect this.  The three sub-regions each have their own individual personalities, both in winestyles and character.  Located within an hour of Auckland city, Matakana is the creative north, West Auckland is rolling hills and rugged coast, and Waiheke is the island of wine. Some stellar wineries fall outside of these three sub-regions, so be sure to check them out on the visit page so as not to miss a thing.

Matakana

45 minutes North of Auckland city lies the Matakana Coast Wine Country, a community known for high quality produce and quality art galleries.  The wine is exclusive as most is made in small quantities, some with hand-picked grapes, and many are not available in the wider market. Visitors can indulge in wine tasting along the boutique Matakana Wine Trail, stop at roadside produce stands, and enjoy stunning walking tracks, cycle trails, idyllic coastal views and white sandy beaches.  For more information on visiting Matakana, see www.matakanawine.co.nz.

West Auckland

30 minutes west of Auckland city is the town of Kumeu, home to the wineries of West Auckland.  The rolling hills of the west are famous for producing not only quality wine, but also fresh produce including strawberries, and is one of the best places to stop for real fruit ice cream in the summer months.  Beyond Kumeu, you’ll find secret stashes of waterfalls before the hills give way to the famous rugged black sand beaches. A visit to the West Auckland wineries will leave visitors with lasting memories. For more information on visiting West Auckland, see www.aucklandnz.com/auckland-west.

Waiheke

A 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland lands visitors on Waiheke, the island of wine.  Once there, visitors can join a wine tour, rent a scooter, or hop on the bus to enjoy the many alluring wineries dotting the island.  Waiheke is also a destination for dining, and is home to some of the most awarded restaurants in New Zealand, often with breathtaking views and impeccably designed interiors. Additionally, guests will find boutique shopping, galleries, spas, and cafes in the quaint beach towns between the wineries. For more information on visiting Waiheke, see www.waiheke.co.nz.

A. Waiheke Island

This picturesque island defines the boundaries of the Auckland region and contributes to its unique terroir. The warm, dry maritime climate promotes intensity, varietal depth, and purity of fruit. Long renowned for its exciting Cabernet blends, the Island has more recently been applauded for gutsy Syrah, elegant Chardonnay, deep, fruit-filled Montepulciano and Petit Verdot, and fragrant Viognier and Pinot Gris wines.

B. West Auckland

Many of New Zealand's oldest wine families still calling this warm and fertile region home, after settling here nearly 100 years ago. The sub-region's old Chardonnay and Merlot vines produce fruit that is used to create stylish wines, which have gained much international acclaim.

C. Matakana

An hour north of Auckland are the pretty rolling hills of Matakana, a welcoming destination for wine tourists. Vines are relatively young, but produce fruit-filled Pinot Gris, Syrah and Cabernet-based wines. The climate is balmy, but careful site selection produces wines with good body and texture.

Climate

Warm and relatively humid for the most part, with rainfall that can be high in the winter months.

Success is generally reliant on good site selection and smart vineyard management. 

Ripening grapes in the Auckland region is generally not a problem, but disease pressure can be. 

Waiheke Island’s Hauraki Gulf location offers a distinct climate that benefits from the cooling sea breeze and is warmer and drier than the rest of the region.

Soil

Auckland’s extensive volcanic history has overlain its ancient bedrock with much younger, more fertile soil types.

Millennia have weathered away the base layers to reveal predominately clay soils, layered sandstone, mudstone and wind-blown silt.

All sub-regions vary significantly, and while some soils are not particularly free draining, good site management and careful clone selection have enabled the production of many premium wines. 

Red Blends 

Stylish Red Blends are common throughout the region; Merlot generally performs best on the heavier soils. Dense yet elegant, commanding acclaim and frequently very high prices.

Chardonnay 

Varying styles of weighty, ripe wines with tropical flavours and fresh, balanced acidity are common throughout the region; Kumeu sees the variety reach a refined zenith.

Syrah 

Sophisticated, intense wines flow from Waiheke where the excitement is building about its aromatic, elegant, pure-fruited expression of the variety.

Pinot Gris 

Grown throughout the region but particularly strong in Matakana, which produces fleshy, weighty wines with spicy, ripe stonefruit and pear aromas and flavours.