Our Vineyards We Visit

About The Vineyards

Waiheke Island – Te Motu Arai Roa / The Long Sheltering Island – half an hour by ferry from downtown Auckland City has, since the 1980s, established itself as one of the world’s premier boutique wine destinations. From its humble rustic beginnings where visionary viticulturists planted their dreams amongst rolling hills of Jurassic-era bedrock, interspersed with layers of clay and volcanic ash, Waiheke has matured into today’s internationally renowned and award-winning ‘must-see’ region. Come and visit us to enjoy our unique hospitality and taste some of the finest wines – and outstanding locally produced complementary food – on this beautiful South Pacific island we call Waiheke.

OBSIDIAN Having worked in vineyards in Germany, France, and Australia, Mike Wood and his family now call Obsidian their home. Located within a small valley with its own micro-climate and freshwater spring, the vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Syrah, as well as small blocks of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and assorted other varietals. With the Pacific Ocean lapping the shore of Onetangi Beach, a mere few hundred meters away over the hill, come and enjoy a low-key tasting of these high-class, award-winning wines in one of the most tranquil rural settings on the island.

POSTAGE STAMP WINES Situated in Onetangi valley, our cellar door is a back yard oasis that offers a humble and homely wine tasting experience. Our philosophy is to take your senses on a journey, creating a range of small parcel wines from boutique vineyards across Waiheke Island. Tapping into unique terroirs as we explore ambitious styles, including sparkling wines, indigenous varietals, Chablis-inspired Chardonnay, and traditional favorites like Pinot Gris. Our commitment extends to crafting wines that reflect the essence of the land, inviting enthusiasts to savor the diversity and complexity woven into each bottle.

TE MOTU One of the more established vineyards on Waiheke, Te Motu (literally: The Island) was planted with classic Bordeaux vines in 1988 and produced its first harvest in 1993. Set up by brothers Paul and John Dunleavy, their early vintages would go on to be awarded prestigious Gold Medals at international competitions overseas. To further develop their successful formula, the original tool and tractor shed was rebuilt into today’s tasting room and restaurant – aptly named The Shed – from where you can look out over the enchanting Onetangi Valley whilst sampling some of the finest produce our island has to offer.

CABLE BAY  Less than ten minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal – and Oneroa, the island’s main township – Cable Bay Vineyard’s expansive grounds spread out over gently rolling hills offering endless vistas of the Hauraki Gulf islands and Auckland isthmus. With their Cypriot heritage of olive groves and vineyards, Loukas and Caroline have built their establishment into one of the premier vineyards on Waiheke. Sample their selection of Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot and Malbec from the cellar door, or, book a VIP tour to visit the Wine Library, the winemaking room, along with a wander through their organic herb garden.

THE MUDBRICK Across the valley from Cable Bay, and enjoying the same spectacular views over the sparkling water towards Auckland City, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant has evolved into a world-famous venue since its owners, Nick and Robyn, planted their first vines in 1993. From the initial dream of growing their own Bordeaux-style reds, their ‘home’ has blossomed into an internationally renowned vineyard, restaurant, wedding venue… and simply a place to sit and sample their selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah – and Chardonnay – whilst savouring the views of the exquisite topiary gardens, the vineyard itself, and that sparkling, shiny sea

TANTALUS ESTATE

In the six years since opening their doors and offering their first vintage – from the lovingly rebuilt and refurbished winery and restaurant – Campbell and Carrie have created their own slice of paradise in the Onetangi Valley. Nestled between Stonyridge and Te Motu vineyards, the ochre-coloured bell tower atop the building welcomes guests to a feast of outstanding wines and superlative food. Planted predominantly with Bordeaux reds, along with Chardonnay and Viognier, they also offer craft beers and ciders from their in-house brewery, aptly named the Alibi. The choice is all yours as you enjoy the tantalising aromas, tastes, and surrounding vistas of this popular and much-loved vineyard.

PODERI CRISCI

A native of Naples, Antonio grew up helping his mother prepare food in the kitchen and his father in the fashion clothing industry. As a young man he sailed around the world, eventually arriving in the City of Sails, Auckland where, having gained his residency, set up his own Italian restaurant, then a pizza restaurant, then a bakery… and in 2010, combining his love of food, fashion and wine, he opened his own vineyard restaurant winery. Lovingly planted in its own secluded valley, complete with gardens for the chefs to select fresh herbs daily for the menu, complemented by the sounds of Italian opera emanating from the kitchen, a visit to Waiheke is not complete without a few hours savoring the pleasures of this enchanting haven.

CASITA MIRO

Mix some art, theatre, Spanish tapas and Rosé, set amidst one of the most spectacular settings on the island, and you have Miro Vineyard. One of the more established wineries, Barnett and Cat have created their own masterpiece overlooking the natural amphitheater where vines cling to the hillside and, beyond, the Pacific Ocean recedes into the distance. Miro is not only a New Zealand native tree, it is also the name of their daughter as well as the Spanish painter; hence the surrealist art and sculpture which proliferates over the grounds in Dali-esque style. Take a few steps up to the outdoor Bond Bar where from its colourful mosaic-tiled deck, this unique vineyard can be fully appreciated and enjoyed.

THOMAS BATCH

A Hilltop vineyard situated on Carson’s Hill, overlooking the Onetangi Valley. The vines are planted in low fertility, iron-rich clays, produced from weathered ancient Jurassic bedrock. The site is diverse, multiple aspects create wines with intensity and complexity. Maritime salt-laden winds bring Umami flavours to the wines.

THE HEKE AND WAIHEKE WHISKY  a relaxed place for groups, and a family & dog friendly restaurant where our chefs prepare your food over glowing wood fires. Alongside this we are currently building a spectacular new brewery, distillery and tasting room. The ‘HEKE is the new home for our growing on Waiheke Island. Making whisky by the sea from fresh, salty rainwater, combined with organic Canterbury Malted Barley, gives us our unique taste profile. If you like salinity and seaweed with sweet nuts and cigar smoke with a toffee or two, you’re in the right place. Our Island is our biggest ally.

AWAROA Vineyard

The quality of Awaroa’s wines has been recognised both within New Zealand and overseas.
We are proud to be the most awarded small vineyard (less than 5 hectares) on Waiheke.

POSTAGE STAMP WINES

Postage Stamp is a collection of high quality, boutique Waiheke Island wines from a selection of small, artisan vineyards.

Often made from classical, and sometimes ‘unexpected’, grape varieties, each Postage Stamp wine delights with exceptional flavour and its own unique character that is reminiscent of the wine’s particular time and place.

Founded by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart, the Postage Stamp range of wines originate from to our desire to create quality wines that absolutely reflect where they come from, and which are also exploratory and distinct enough to appeal to the sophisticated wine palette.

The Postage Stamp vineyards currently include View East, Arae and Matiatia. Our View East vineyard, located on an eastern ridge of the island, produces delicious Syrah and Syrah Rosé. From our Te Arae vineyard we are expecting both an estate and a reserve Chardonnay, available from October 2018. On our Matiatia vineyard we have an intimate planting of Marsanne Roussanne and we expect to harvest for the first time in 2019.

STONYRIDGE 

Nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees, colourful vines, and the aromas of the south of France, our Veranda Café is one of the most romantic and exotic venues in New Zealand for café dining, private functions, and weddings.

PASSAGE ROCK

After 26 years at Passage Rock we are proud to say our Reserve Syrah is Waiheke Islands Most Awarded Wine with over 20 Gold Medals and 6 trophies.
We are open Fridays to Sunday for Tastings and Sales, on Wekkends we are serving our delicious tasting boards, currently they include Salmon crockets, Lamb Empanadas, roasted Cauliflower, fresh bread and eggplant butter, the platter is changed weekly and made from fresh seasonal products
Come out and enjoy the tranquil countryside of Waiheke Island and our fantastic wine selection.

MAN O WAR

For an unparalleled wine experience, you literally can’t go past Man O’ War – it’s at the eastern end of the island. Waiheke has 100 vineyards but an incredible 75 of those vineyards are at Man O’ War set in picturesque locations across 4,500 acres. Man O’ War’s Winery Tasting Room is the only one on Waiheke that’s on the water and New Zealand’s only beachfront tasting experience.