Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay are the most popular varieties here although Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other white varieties are also planted. Auckland's soils are mainly shallow clays over hard silty-clay subsoils or sandy loams. Vineyards are mostly planted in pockets of flat land on the drier east coast or in the shelter of western ranges.
In the early 1980s Waiheke Island, in Auckland harbour, was established as a fashionable district for the production of high quality red wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Matakana, on the east coast about one hour's drive north of Auckland city, has also earned an enviable reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon and has since undergone a very rapid expansion in both red and white wine production.
Auckland's most recent premium wine district, Clevedon, has established small pockets of vines in the rolling farmlands about half an hour south of the city.
Waiheke Island sailing and wine tour
Sail to Waiheke Island in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park pass multiple islands as you leave Auckland behind. Waiheke Island is to Auckland as the Hamptons are to New York – the former being on a much smaller scale. Home to beautiful beaches and holiday homes.
Since the late 1970's Waiheke's benign Mediterranean climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A "small is beautiful" philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award- winning wines. The big Bordeaux-style reds of Stonyridge are now appreciated by wine lovers all over the world, and more than 30 vineyards have followed in these footsteps. You can visit Stonyridge and others of your choice including Kennedy Point Vineyard, Mudbrick Vineyard and Te Whau Vineyard where you can have lunch and sample some of the owner's 500+ classic and local vintages. A great day to explore both the fabulous wines and food, including the olive oil estate and Waiheke’s own grown oysters on the island.
Auckland city wine tasting
Indulge in a culinary exploration as we introduce you to two of the city’s most vibrant inner city foodie locations. Surrounded by beautiful heritage buildings, the Britomart precinct is full of eclectic cafes, restaurants, cool bars and a fantastic city farmers market, making it the hippest new district in town. And the beautiful Viaduct Harbour features many award winning restaurants and many other culinary delights. We taste wherever we go and a light lunch matched with a glass of premium New Zealand wine is also included.
Auckland eco wine tasting gourmet walk
Ponsonby is known for its Uber-chic villas, boutique shopping, coffee-drinking and liberal-minded residents. This is the place to be for delicious eateries, 19th century wooden buildings, arts and crafts. This gourmet tour includes tastings of our finest produce, chocolates, exceptional coffee and classic baking treats. A light lunch matched with a glass of premium New Zealand wine is also included.
