The 10 Best Wineries In Auckland (& 1 Brewery) To Visit!

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Good beer and wine is a given in New Zealand, one of many world’s prime wine producers.

Being Australian, I admit to being a wine snob and considering that solely Australia can produce prime quality wines, however I used to be pleasantly proved improper on our journey to NZ.

New Zealand has 10 high-producing wine areas, with Auckland being one of many oldest wine areas within the nation.

If you happen to’re seeking to strive a few of New Zealand’s high-quality wines, then we advocate you go to among the prime wineries in Auckland to be taught concerning the manufacturing and style of those world-famous wines.

The Finest Wineries in Auckland

1. West Brook Vineyard, Auckland

• Hours: 11.00am – 5.00pm day by day
• Handle: 215 Ararimu Valley Highway, Waimauku R.D.2, Auckland
• Internet: www.westbrook.co.nz

Westbrook Vineyard is a boutique family-owned vineyard, established in 1935, who’ve gained a number of awards for his or her wines.

We met with Susan Ivicevich, the nice and cozy and pleasant co-owner and chatted to her concerning the vineyard and the way it was began by her husband’s Croatian household.

The vineyard was known as West Brook because of its location beside a brook, the place the unique winery as soon as stood.

They, after all, felt no want to vary the identify as soon as they moved.

The West Brook cellar door seems throughout an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic space with a garden to row after row of Waimauku vines.

It’s a picturesque setting to sit down and get to know one among West Brook’s award profitable bottles of wine and a picnic lunch

Susan took us to the tasting room to take us by way of the collection of award-winning wines, instructing us a bit of about how the wines are crafted and sharing tales of her household and grandchildren, over the sampling of some advantageous cabernet blends and whites.

It was exhausting to decide on one to take residence with, however we settled on a bottle of 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, which sits on our shelf right here at residence ready for that big day the place Mummy and Daddy can simply sit and unwind over a pleasant diner collectively, simply the 2 of us.

2. Kumeu River Wines

• Hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, 11.00am – 4.30pm Saturday, Closed Sunday
• Handle: 550 State Freeway 16, Kumeū 0892
• Internet: https://kumeuriver.co.nz/

Positioned in West Auckland is the Kumeu wine Nation, recognized for producing white wines, together with award-winning Chardonnay.

Kumeu River Wines, based in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich and his household, is among the most famed wineries within the area.

This family-run institution has a wealthy historical past of crafting distinctive wines and contributing to the worldwide popularity of the area’s wine.

A go to to Kumeu River Wines is an effective way to be taught concerning the wine making course of. Visitors can discover the attractive vineyards, take part in informative tastings, and be taught concerning the winemaking course of from a household of wine makers.

Kumeu River Wines is especially celebrated for its Chardonnays. Their Single Winery and Property Chardonnays showcase the area’s distinctive terroir, delivering class and complexity in each sip.

The vineyard doesn’t simply produce white wine but additionally pink wine, utilizing grape varieties reminiscent of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, every reflecting the eagerness and experience of the Brajkovich household.

3. Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, positioned simply 18 kilometers east of downtown Auckland, is a wine lover’s paradise.

This beautiful island not solely gives breathtaking surroundings and pristine seashores but additionally boasts a thriving wine area that has gained worldwide recognition.

Visiting Waiheke Island lets you discover a plethora of world-class wineries and vineyards, with over 30 wineries and cellar doorways to select from.

You may bask in tastings, guided excursions, and picnics. Some notable boutique wineries on the island embrace Tantalus Property Winery & Vineyard, Mudbrick Winery & Restaurant, and Casita Miro.

The historical past of winemaking on Waiheke Island dates again to the Nineteen Seventies when pioneers acknowledged the island’s potential for producing high-quality wines, with a temperate local weather and wonderful soil situations.

At this time, the area focuses on strong pink wines, significantly Bordeaux blends and Syrah. These wines are recognized for his or her class, complexity, and talent to age gracefully.

Except for wine tasting, it’s also possible to discover the colourful artwork scene, take pleasure in outside actions like climbing and biking, and savor scrumptious delicacies at native eating places and cafes.

Ferry tickets to Waiheke Island may be purchased from Quay Road Ferry Terminal in central Auckland and takes about 40 minutes.

4. Church Highway Vineyard, Hawke’s Bay

• Hours: 10.30am – 4.30pm, 5.00pm – 8.30pm Friday, 10.30am – 5.00pm Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm Sunday and Monday
• Handle: 150 Church Highway, Taradale, Napier 4112
• Internet: http://www.church-road.co.nz/

Church Highway Vineyard isn’t precisely near Auckland, however is actually price a go to, because it’s nestled within the famend Hawke’s Bay wine area of New Zealand.

With a proud heritage courting again to 1897, Church Highway Vineyard is among the most acclaimed wineries within the space.

Like most wineries, Church Highway Vineyard permits company to go to the cellar door and expertise wine tastings and gross sales.

Church Highway Vineyard is understood for its Grand Reserve wines, crafted utilizing chosen parcels from prime vineyards throughout Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago.

These wines are meticulously produced to showcase the area’s terroir and spotlight the most effective qualities of the grape varietals. From wealthy and sophisticated reds to elegant whites, there’s something to swimsuit each palate.

Craig did a biking vineyard tour in Hawke’s Bay and cherished it. The bike path is through the coastal cycleway which is a devoted cycle path that’s flat and straightforward to navigate. A lot of the wineries are inside straightforward biking distance.

5. Searching Lodge Vineyard, Waimauku

• Hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm Thursday – Saturday, 11.00am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Handle: 305/307 Waikoukou Valley Highway, Waimauku 0882
• Internet: https://www.thehuntinglodge.com/

The Searching Lodge Vineyard, nestled within the picturesque Waimauku area of Auckland, New Zealand, is a gorgeous 80-acre property vineyard only a brief drive from town heart.

You may discover their Cellar Door and Garden Bar, the place you may bask in wine tastings and calm down within the stunning environment.

The vineyard additionally incorporates a restaurant, providing delectable delicacies paired completely with their wines.

6. Fino Valley Wines, Henderson Valley

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, Closed Sunday
• Handle: 283 Henderson Valley Highway, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612
• Internet: http://www.finovalley.com/

One other one among Auckland’s boutique vineyards is positioned within the Henderson Valley.

Fino Valley Wines is a family-owned vineyard that carries over 100 years of winemaking custom and historical past, making it a must-visit vacation spot for wine lovers.

At Fino Valley Wines, you may bask in a wide range of New Zealand wines, together with Sauvignon Blanc, Rieslings, Merlot, Malbec, Moscato, Cabernet, Port, Sherry, Liqueurs, and even Blueberry Wine.

Their numerous choice ensures there’s one thing to swimsuit each palate.

7. Matakana Vineyard

Positioned an hour’s drive north of Auckland is Matakana Property Vineyard,

This area is residence to a number of boutique wineries, however Matakana Vineyard is by far one of the prestigious.

It boasts a various vary of wines. The vineyards right here develop a wide range of grape varietals, together with Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, and extra.

Every wine is crafted with care to showcase the distinctive flavors and traits of the Matakana area.

8. Babich Wines

• Hours: 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, Closed Saturday and Sunday
• Handle: 15 Babich Highway, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612
• Internet: http://www.babichwines.com/

If you happen to don’t need to enterprise removed from town heart, Babich Wines is positioned within the metropolis of Auckland and is among the most accessible vineyards.

Babich Wines is the oldest family-owned winemaking firm within the nation and a number one NZ wine model.

With a wealthy historical past courting again to 1912 when Croatian migrant Josip Babich planted the primary vines from Croatia in Henderson Valley, Babich Wines was born.

The vineyard produces a various collection of varietals, together with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and extra.

Identified for his or her dedication to sustainability, Babich Wines additionally gives vegan wines, which is exclusive to this vineyard.

9. Brick Bay Wines

• Hours: 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Handle: 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Seaside 0982
• Internet: http://www.brickbay.co.nz/

Brick Bay Wines is famend for its boutique wines and charming Sculpture Path.

As you stroll by way of their Brick Bay Sculpture Path, you may marvel at an open-air gallery that includes over 60 massive sculptures.

The beautiful native panorama offers a serene backdrop as you discover the artwork and benefit from the tranquility of the environment.

Brick Bay Wines can also be recognized for producing a spread of boutique wines, together with their famed Brick Bay Pharos, recognized for its distinctive fruit high quality, velvety end, and tight construction.

Wine lovers can pattern these beautiful wines whereas having fun with all-day eating on the spectacular Glass Home.

10. Soljans Property Vineyard

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Handle: 366 State Freeway 16, Kumeū 0892
• Internet: http://www.soljans.co.nz/

Soljans Property Vineyard, additionally positioned in Kumeu Wine Nation, is a family-owned vineyard courting again to 1937.

Discover their beautiful vineyards, be taught concerning the winemaking course of, and bask in wine tastings, or go to the bistro the place you may take pleasure in scrumptious meals paired with their distinctive wines.

Soljans Property Vineyard produces a wide range of wines, together with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Syrah.

Their award-winning wines are recognized for his or her high quality and distinctive flavors, reflecting the distinctive terroir of the Kumeu area.

11. Hallertau Brewery, Auckland

• Hours: 11.00am – Midnight day by day
• Handle: 1171 CoatesvilleRiverhead Hwy, Riverhead, Auckland
• Internet: www.hallertau.co.nz

Though not a vineyard, we now have to incorporate the Hallertau Brewery to showcase simply how numerous New Zealand’s brewing scene is!

We grew to become main followers of micro-breweries while dwelling within the US as they’ve so many nice ones. You’re often assured a flavourful beer.

The Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant, a New Zealand first, is the brainchild of beer maker Steve Plowman. 

Nestled within the greenery of Riverhead, solely a twenty minute drive from town, Hallertau didn’t allow us to down with its mixture of brewing and epicurean lifestyle we have been in a position to sit again and revel in for a few hours.

It was well worth the drive only for the contemporary and brilliant decor of the brewery itself, the orange and golden hues an ideal complement to the ales and lagers we sampled.

We began with a beer sampling tray earlier than our meal, earlier than selecting our favourites to take pleasure in a pint of with a scrumptious lunch.

Hallertau prides themselves on the truth that they make their beer with their arms and solely use yeast, rainwater and fistfuls of hops. There’s nothing we like greater than beer that’s pure of stuffed with pure goodness.

They have been all excellent and it was troublesome to decide on only one. I went for the Hallertau Copper Tart- I really like me a pink ale – whereas craig loved the Scwarzbier (black beer)

The meals on the menu at Hallertau is contemporary and stuffed with pure flavours. They typically use fruit and veg from their very own kitchen backyard as a lot as they’ll.

They bake their very own bread and make their very own sauces. Eggs are laid by their very own free roaming brewery chickens.

For lunch Craig loved a roast pumpkin risotto and I selected grilled salmon with mozerella, caramelized onions, and tomatoes…

Closing Ideas

New Zealand’s wineries supply a charming mix of beautiful landscapes, world-class wines, and heat hospitality.

Auckland is among the prime producing wine areas and has a singular mix of grape varieties, permitting you to pattern totally different variations of wines and discover your new favourite.

There may be no doubts {that a} go to to a vineyard is an unmissable expertise in Auckland.

We hope this information helped you decide a vineyard to decide on in your New Zealand journey and gave you some perception into the nation’s vibrant wine tradition. Listed below are another concepts for issues to do on the North Island, different superior locations to go to in New Zealand, experiencing Auckland’s SkyWalk, and the close by thermal swimming pools in Rotorua.