Katy RosserAuckland isn’t just about sheep and hobbits, folks — it’s a wine wonderland! This means vineyards as far as the eye can see, pumping out Syrah and Chardonnay like it’s nobody’s business.
So obviously, wine tasting events in Auckland are a thing here: it’s practically mandatory!
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: which wine will win your heart? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best of the best.
But let’s be real, why choose just one when you can try ’em all? It’s like a wine-fueled adventure, and you’re the fearless explorer!
Cable Bay Vineyards
– Media credit: cablebayvineyards
Website: https://cablebay.nz/
Address: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Auckland 1840, New Zealand
Hours:
- Open daily from 11 AM–9 PM
Let’s start with Cable Bay Vineyards, right in Oneroa. These folks are all about crafting wines that scream top-notch quality, sourced from their fancy-pants vineyards in not one, but two stunning New Zealand spots: Waiheke Island and Marlborough.
They’re not just making any old wine, darling. No, they’re whipping up quintessentially New Zealand bottles that are as unique as a unicorn in stilettos.
And let me tell you, they’re not just sitting pretty! They’re constantly evolving their vines and techniques to keep us wine lovers on our toes.
Now, if you want to live your best vineyard life, you better make a beeline for their spot on Waiheke Island. We’re talking award-winning wines at the cellar door, divine dining in The Dining Room, and chill vibes on The Verandah.
Oh, and did we mention those jaw-dropping sea views? Cable Bay isn’t just a spot to visit — it’s a destination you’ll be raving about for ages.
And if you’re all about epic views, mouthwatering food, and, of course, fabulous wine, Cable Bay is calling your name. Just hop on a ferry (or why not take the helicopter, darling?) and get yourself to Waiheke for a day you won’t soon forget.
Can you just picture yourself lounging on their lush lawn, sharing plates, and sipping on glass after glass of their divine vino? Better yet, cozy up on the verandah and indulge in ceviche, wood-fired pizzas, and sliders.
Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? Mmm hmm yes, indeed!
| Pro Tip: Now we may be biased, but we can’t stop raving about their Pinot Noir and Five Hills Merlot Malbec! |
Ascension Wine Estate Function Centre & Winery
– Media credit: ascensionwineestate
Website: https://ascensionwine.co.nz/
Address: 480 Matakana Road, Laly Haddon Place, Matakana 0985, New Zealand
Contact: +64 21 885 554
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Thursday
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM
A hop, skip, and a jump from A-town, and bam, you’re at the jaw-dropping Ascension Wine Estate. Their divine selection of wines and dive headfirst into their Italian-inspired menu are just waiting to be sipped and dined on!
We’re talking crispy calamari, cured meats, fresh pasta, and gourmet pizzas galore. Can’t wait to try, huh? All you need to do is get yourself (and maybe some of your friends) together and get ready for the burgundies!
If you don’t save room for the tiramisu, you’re seriously missing out — it’s an absolute showstopper.
| Pro Tip: Looking for something more full-bodied? Try their port — it’s bold, fruity, and complex! |
Villa Maria Wines
– Media credit: villamariawines
Website: https://www.villamariawines.com/
Address: 118 Montgomerie Road Mangere, Manukau, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 255 0666
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Ever found yourself en route to the airport, seriously contemplating ditching your flight just to spend a couple of extra hours at the fabulous Villa Maria? Be honest, because we have!
Just imagine you’re chilling on their Vineyard Café terrace, soaking in the views of lush vineyards. And all the while indulging in a leisurely lunch or snacking on a scrumptious platter.
Sounds amazing, right? And let’s talk about their food — because oh boy, it’s a feast fit for royalty!
From mouthwatering confit pork belly (nom nom) to perfectly pan-fried scallops and a juicy Southland lamb rack, they’ve got your taste buds covered.
And don’t even get us started on their wine selection. It’s like a treasure trove from Auckland to Waipara, with stops in Nelson, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and Marlborough along the way!
| Pro Tip: Everyone loves the dark reds and the whites, but here, we’re in love with their pink rosé! |
Soljans Estate Winery
– Media credit: soljanestatewinery
Website: https://soljans.co.nz/
Address: 366 State Highway 16, Kumeū 0892, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 412 5858
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
Alright, listen up, wine enthusiasts! Soljans is your gateway to Kumeu wine country, and allow us to tell you this industry secret: it’s the place to be for a bougie afternoon of wine tasting and gourmet snacks.
With their doors open every day except Sunday, they’re practically begging for you to swing by. And get this: they’re dishing out winery tours six days a week!
So why not drop in, sip some award-winning vino, and soak up all that viticulture magic? Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
| Pro Tip: You needn’t worry if the weather’s too cold for wine tasting. In fact, they sometimes have it in their barrel room! |
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
– Media credit: brick_bay
Website: https://www.brickbay.co.nz/
Address: 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 0982, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 425 4690
Hours:
- Open daily from 10 AM–4 PM
Ahhh, summertime, and Warworth’s winery — talk about a match made in heaven! Brick Bay’s vineyard sprawls across four hectares, cascading down to the picturesque lake.
And nestled in the sun-soaked embrace is the Glass House, tempting you to indulge in all-day dining delights. From delectable sammies to fresh salads and mouthwatering sharing plates, there’s no shortage of fuel for your wine-fueled adventures.
But that’s not all! Your eyes will be full of inspired creativity on the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, a jaw-dropping exhibition featuring works by some of New Zealand’s finest artists.
| Pro Tip: If you’re bringing some with you, why not get their 3-bottle pack? Rosé, Pinot Gris, and Martell Rock are the perfect food friends! |
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
– Media credit: mudbrick_nz
Website: https://mudbrick.co.nz/
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 372 9050
Hours:
- Open daily from 11 AM–9:30 PM
If you’ve never heard of Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, then we don’t know which rock you’ve been living under! This place is all about serving up a top-notch arvo filled with booze, grub, and epic vibes.
They’re not just your average vineyard! They’re the kings of weddings, degustations, and laid-back dining.
And if you’re doing a self-guided Waiheke wine tour, don’t even think about skipping a visit to their cellar door. Trust us, a tasting paired with gourmet platters is pure bliss.
It’s like hitting the jackpot of wine adventures!
| Pro Tip: If you’re having too much fun to say goodbye, you can crash in their swanky accommodation. You needn’t worry as you probably won’t be the only one! |
Batch Winery
– Media credit: batchwinery
Website: https://www.batchwinery.com/
Address: 129 Carsons Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 372 3223
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM–8:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Alright, listen up, because we’ve got the inside scoop on Batch Winery — Waiheke’s swanky, state-of-the-art winery and hotspot for epic foodie adventures.
Now, it’s not easy to make wine on a tiny island in the Hauraki Gulf. We’re talking about a team of dedicated souls who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, literally.
Hand-picked grapes, small batches, and gentle wine transfers — it’s all about quality over quantity, darling. And trust me when I say these folks know their stuff, they’re not messing around.
Just imagine exceptional wines, mouthwatering dishes, and views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous. If you can imagine it, then you’ve got to see it in person!
Ooh, and the sunset dinners are the stuff of legends. Whether you’re kicking back with friends or cozying up with family, Batch Winery has got you covered — and they’re open all year round, seven days a week!
| Pro Tip: If you’ve got the time, their brunch specials are to die for. Obviously, your drinks are going to be a bit alcoholic! |
Coopers Creek Vineyard
– Media credit: cooperscreekvineyard
Website: https://cooperscreek.co.nz/
Address: 601 State Highway 16, Kumeu, Huapai 0891, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 412 8560
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
Coopers Creek is the wine wizard of West Auckland! Since bursting onto the scene in 1980, they’ve been the cool kids at the wine party, crafting killer bottles in New Zealand’s top grape-growing spots.
These guys don’t play it safe — oh no they don’t! They’re all about shaking things up with adventurous wine styles that’ll make your taste buds do the shimmy.
From their Reserve Wines (aka the fancy stuff) to the Select Vineyards range (aka the international sensations), Coopers Creek’s lineup is like a wine lover’s dream come true.
And don’t even get us started on the awards! These guys have more trophies than your grandma’s mantlepiece. Local, international — you name it, they’ve won it.
Lazy Sundays, live jazz, and endless glasses of vino, that’s the scene at Coopers Creek’s Huapai vineyard. It’s like Coachella, but with better wine and fewer flower crowns.
Once you’ve tasted their magic, you’ll never look at wine the same way again.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes we like it light, and sometimes we love it dark! For us, their Syrah is the perfect red without being too strong. |
Matakana Estate
– Media credit: matakanaestate
Website: https://www.matakanaestate.co.nz/
Address: 568 Matakana Road, MATAKANA, Warkworth 0985, New Zealand
Contact: +64 800 568 686
Hours:
- Closed from Tuesday to Wednesday
- Thursday to Monday: 11 AM–4 PM
Matakana Estate is your go-to wine haven smack dab in the heart of Matakana Coast. Here, you can get ready to sip your way to local luxury just an hour’s drive north of Auckland.
But hold onto your wine glasses because Matakana Estate isn’t your grandpa’s winery. Uh-huh, it’s the biggest and baddest one in the hood, sprawling over 35 hectares of prime wine-producing real estate!
They’re all about crafting those oh-so-trendy boutique-style wines that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
And let’s dish about their cellar door – it’s not your grandma’s wine-tasting shack. Nope, here you’ll find wine tastings, gourmet platters, and wine experiences galore.
And don’t even get us started on their wine-blending experience – it’s like stepping into Willy Wonka’s boozy paradise.
Oh, and did we mention their luxury lodge? Situated smack dab on the property, it serves up jaw-dropping views of the vineyards and countryside, making it the ultimate spot for a getaway fit for royalty. So go ahead, indulge – you’re worth every sip.
| Pro Tip: Getting there is a breeze! The vineyard is just over an hour if you’re from the Auckland International Airport, with 24 parking slots to boot! |
Plume Vineyard Restaurant and Cellar Door
– Media credit: plumenz
Website: https://plumecollections.co.nz/
Address: 49A Sharp Road Matakana, Warkworth 0982, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 422 7915
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Wednesday
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 6 PM–7:45 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 6 PM–7:45 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
Let’s talk about Plume, the vineyard restaurant in Matakana! It’s all about indulging in fabulous local New Zealand wine and food and throwing one heck of a party for your taste buds.
Just an hour’s drive from Auckland or Whangarei, Plume is the place to be when it comes to Auckland wedding venues.
Situated in the stunning grape-growing region of Matakana, just north of Auckland, Plume serves up jaw-dropping 180-degree views of vineyards, fields, valleys, and mountains. I mean, talk about a romantic setting to wine and dine!
And let’s not forget about the wine tastings. They’re like a fancy little soirée just hidden in their splendidly decorated cellar door.
With the beautiful New Zealand landscape as your backdrop, it’s basically an Instagrammer’s dream come true. Let’s toast to that!
| Pro Tip: Try their wine tastings that give you 4 of their wines: Albarino, rosé, and 2 of their best reds! |
