New Zealand doesn’t have a long history of winemaking. New Zealand’s wine regions have only been making their mark in the wine world since the early 1960s. But in visiting the best Auckland wineries & vineyards, you’d never know!
The top wines in New Zealand are best described as cut and dry, even short and sweet. And Auckland’s best wines follow suit. The Auckland area is home to several award-winning and world-class vineyards and wineries. New Zealand’s biggest city has also gained a reputation for operating some of the best food & wine-tasting tours in the world.
Many wineries & vineyards in Auckland are considered boutique. A boutique winery typically refers to a vineyard that produces less than 10,000 cases of wine a year. Each harvest only yields a handful of small batches.
Ready for the ultimate Auckland winery tour? Visit one of these top Auckland vineyards for an intimate & classy way to experience some of the top wines, not just in New Zealand, but in the world!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our New Zealand Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best vineyards & wineries in Auckland
Soljans Estate Winery
Soljans Estate Winery is a charming family-owned winery set in Auckland’s heritage wine region. It’s operated since 1937, making it one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries.
Soljans specializes in Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinotage and produces award-winning sparkling wine. The estate also has an on-site restaurant, Soljan’s Cafe. Recently, it was named one of Auckland’s Top 20 Restaurants and one of the World’s Top 20 Winery Restaurants.
The Soljans offer both wine tastings and tours. On a tour, you’ll get to walk through the winery, guided by the Soljans themselves or one of their trusted employees. Tours are available for large groups of 10 or more. Tasting is open to any number of people and is free with any purchase of wine.
Babich Wines
With its first vines planted in 1912, Babich Wines is listed as New Zealand’s oldest wine. Since then the family-owned business has produced some of the best wine in the world.
Babich Wine’s Auckland winery is known as the Henderson Valley vineyard. It’s named for its location in the fertile countryside of the Henderson Valley.
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The Henderson Valley vineyard produces world-class Chardonnay, Pino Noir, and Pinotage. When you visit Babich Wines, not only do you get a wine tour, you get a whole experience.
Your highly knowledgeable guide will walk you around the grounds. On the tour, you’l learn all about the history of the area, family, and production of their world-famous wines.
Goldie Estate
The Goldie Estate is one of the best boutique wineries in the Auckland area. The estate sits on Waiheke Island overlooking Potiki Bay. It produces some of the best character wines in the country. Goldie Estate was the first vineyard to set up on the island. It’s still up there among the best wineries to visit while visiting Waiheke.
Being the oldest, Goldie Estate has a legendary cellar door. It offers several varieties of red & white wine. The most popular include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Viognier.
What’s unique about this winery is their commitment to education and sustainability. The estate houses The University of Auckland’s Goldwater Wine Science Centre. It’s one of the preeminent programs of its kind in the world.
Kumeu River Wine
Kumeu Wine produces world-class wines, specializing in Chardonnay. At the Kumeu vineyard, each grape is picked by hand. It ensures that only top quality grapes are used in the production process.
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The chardonnay produced here is recognized around the world as one of the best non-Burgundy chardonnays. The tours here are run by expert guides. They’ll answer any wine questions you may have. On a tour, you’ll learn all about how the winery grows and produces their award-winning wines.
Obsidian Winery
This gorgeous winery is set in the hills of Wahikie Island, overlooking the coast. Laid out on 4 hills, Obsidian Winery focuses on the production of a Bordeaux-style red. Their Bordeaux has been highly recommended since its debut in 1993.
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Obsidian has grown to include several highly-sought-after varieties. Some of the grapes include Syrah, Montepulciano, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo varieties. They offer wine tastings in an intimate, but friendly, setting overlooking the beautiful vineyard.
Taking a day trip to Obsidian is a great way to start exploring Waiheke Island.
Mazuran’s Vineyards
Mazuran’s Vineyards has been a part of New Zealand wine history from the start. They’ve received various accolades and awards over the year.
The vineyard is home to one of the best cellar doors in one of the oldest wine regions in New Zealand. You won’t be disappointed in any selection from this winery!
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Distinctive to Mazuran’s, they distill their own grape brandy for fortifying their wines. Some are still made using the juice from grapes planted in 1938! The staff at Mazuran’s prides themselves on excellent service and knowledge of the grapes they grow and the wine they produce.
Man O’ War Vineyards
Since established in 1993, Man O’ War Vineyards has grown into a top producer in the Waiheke Island region. Throughout the years, Man O’ War Vineyards has perfected their Pinot Gris and Rose. It also produces a very distinct Sauvignon Blanc that’s unmistakably Man O’ War.
The climate on Waiheke is perfect for the production of Chardonnay and Syrah. Man O’ War takes full advantage by producing some of the finest in New Zealand. They’re also known for their signature Bordeaux Blends.
Taking a tour of the Man O’War Winery and Vineyards is a must-do when traveling through the Auckland area. Man O’War provides a full experience by picking you up from the ferry and taking a scenic drive to the farm. As the popularity of this vineyard grows, it’s recommended to reserve a table. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of options in an afternoon at this beautiful Waiheke vineyard.
Passage Rock Wines
Passage Rock Winery is Waiheke’s most awarded winery. Known for their reserve Syrah, Passage Rock has been awarded 18 gold medals and 6 trophies over the last 26 years.
Set along the countryside on Waiheke, Passage Rock Winery is a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the vineyards. Sit back and relax in their bistro while you enjoy perfect wine with a delicious meal. Their cellar door is open for tasting from Wednesday to Sunday and has a small food plate special on weekends.
Brick Bay Wines – Matakana Winery
Located about 50 minutes north of Auckland, Brick Bay Wines is the perfect day trip from Auckland for wine lovers. It sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island in the Matakana Wine Region. The property features 200 acres of landscapes. And the interest goes well beyond their boutique vineyard and wines!
There’s a whole host of attractions at the Brick Bay Matakana Winery. The vineyards are home to the Glasshouse Restaurant, serving the winery’s famous pinot gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Perched upon a small lake, this popular restaurant has won awards for its architecture. (And, of course, the food & wine is quite toothsome as well!)
If you’re a dual fan of wine and art, you’re in luck. The Matakana property is also home to the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. The two-kilometre-long sculpture trail meanders through native bush. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a rotating display of over 60 works of art from local NZ artists. (You might even catch some local wildlife along the trail!)
