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Explore North Island Wineries

Like everything in New Zealand, you are never far from one of the renowned wine growing regions. Cooler climates lead to a longer growing period and this is what gives New Zealand wine its depth of flavour. Whether you are travelling to the...
24 May, 2018

Like everything in New Zealand, you are never far from one of the renowned wine growing regions. Cooler climates lead to a longer growing period and this is what gives New Zealand wine its depth of flavour. Whether you are travelling to the furthermost point of the North Island or touring the South Island there is a wine region and cellar door around the corner. Oh, and they all sit in superb landscapes, as you will expect.

Let's take a look at North Island Wineries.

Northland

The Reverend Samuel Marsden left the Australian colonies for New Zealand and planted the first grapevines in Kerikeri soon after, thus beginning the New Zealand wine industry. Fast forward to current times and you will find award winning wineries with cellar doors near Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Russell and Whangarei. As you taste the Marsden Estate Pinot Gris or the Longview Estate Chardonnay you will be heralded with stories from the vine to the bottle by the vintner. Add the Te Whai winery to your itinerary for Bordeaux style wines and a craft beer tasting.

Longview Winery

Waiheke Island

Take a daytrip or short break from Auckland to explore over 25 wineries and cellar doors on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from the city. Enjoy views of Rangitoto Island and the Auckland city scape as you meet winemakers, enjoy onsite restaurants and taste the flavoursome varietals grown in the uniquely warm microclimate of the island. Visit Stoneyridge to taste ultra premium organic reds, soak in the views of Hauraki Gulf from Mudbrick while you taste the Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Gris or enjoy a taste of Italy and fine Merlot at Poderi Cresci.

Mudbrick Winery

Kumeu

Take a short trip by road or ferry, 25 kilometres northwest of Auckland to the affluent rural area of Kumeu. Originally settled by Croatian migrants, the area is now home to boutique wineries, restaurants and galleries. Take a picnic and enjoy a tasting at Babich, family run since 1937. Try a Merlot or Malbec at Awa, by appointment or enjoy the family environment at Coopers Creek while you taste the Huapai Rose or the distinctly dubbed Guido in Velvet Pants, a richly coloured and flavoured Huapai Montepulciano.

Coopers Creek Winery

Matakana

The third and youngest of Auckland’s wine regions is Matakana, an hour north of the city. Here the newer players include Mahurangi River Winery known for its Rose; Heron’s Flight Vineyard for its limited release Sangiovese and Dolcetto; and the Runner Duck for its varietal reds and global cuisine. Omaha Bay Vineyard with its distinctive OBV label is one of the popular wineries in the region. The Dark Summit, a Bordeaux blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon grapes is a favourite at Ransom.

Ransom Winery

Waikato

Renowned for its dairy farming, the Waikato region also produces Chardonnay, Merlot and Gewurztraminer. Enjoy a Sunday lunch and sample the local Mt Pirongia Pinot Noir at Vilagrad, a family vineyard of five generations located near Ohaupo.

Vilagrad Winery

Bay of Plenty

Not far from Tauranga, on the east coast, you will find newer wineries that excel in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Wine Portfolio produces 14 labels. Visit the cellar door of this distinctive art deco winery to taste handcrafted, sustainable wines produced from grapes of Hawkes Bay and Marlborough region. Likewise, the Mills Reef winery boasts outstanding Bordeaux varietal reds and Syrah and a stylish art deco restaurant with award winning cuisine to complement the wines.

Mills Reef Winery

Eastland – Gisborne

Located on the east cape of New Zealand, Gisborne is the Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand and building a strong reputation for its Pinot Gris. Follow the Gisborne Wine trail from the Gisborne Wine Centre, where you can taste a selection of the region’s wineries. Sample the organic, low allergen Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay under the Natural Wine Co label at the boutique, family friendly Wrights Vineyard and Winery. Stop by the cellar door at Kirkpatrick Estate Winery to taste award winning Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Merlot and Malbec. Follow the story of the Bird and Flax series of Longbush wines.

Gisborne Vineyards

Hawkes Bay

The vineyards of Hawke’s Bay are known for their Bordeaux style and Chardonnay varietals. Found near Napier, so close are they to each other that you can cycle between wineries. Here you find the Mission Estate, established in 1851 by French missionaries. Visit the cellar door of the Te Mata to taste from their five Hawkes Bay wineries. The Coleraine, a Bordeaux style is the pride of the estate. Follow the story of young Joseph Vidal as you taste award winning chardonnay on the site of the original cellar. Stop by the Winery Cellar Shop at the Esky Valley Winery where the original concrete cellars still stand as they did in the 1930s.

Mission Estate Winery

Wairarapa

Just an hour’s drive from Wellington in picturesque hillscapes you can explore the wine regions of Wairarapa in Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton. Known for its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc the region is home to around 50 boutique wineries. You can hire a bike to take a leisurely ride between the 12 wineries of Martinborough that are open daily and have restaurants. Short on time? Head to the Martinborough Wine Centre where you can taste from a range of vineyards. The Gladstone wineries are found on pretty country roads. Follow the Wairarapa Wine Trail to capture the wineries of the region.

Martinborough Wine Region

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