Picture this: You’re admiring a beautiful sight consisting of vineyards as far as the eye can see with a glass of wine in hand; seems like paradise doesn’t it?
Well now, you can turn this dream into reality by visiting some of Auckland’s top wineries! So to help curate the perfect wine-tasting adventure for you and your friends, here are some of our favourite wineries in Auckland:
Cable Bay Vineyards
Website: https://cablebay.nz
Address: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Auckland 1840, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 9569112
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Costs: $$
If you’re one to enjoy your glass of wine with spectacular views, then Cable Bay Vineyards should be right up your alley. This place is the definition of an estate, boasting vast lands dotted with vineyards as far as the eye can see—talk about spectacular views!
These vineyards are filled with their homegrown grapes that are yet to transform into the fermented drink we all know and love. They’re also made sure to grow in the vineyard’s climate by planting clones and varieties.
Of course, the main highlight of your visit here is the cellar door, where you can treat your tastebuds to a fine selection of premium bottles of wine. Furthermore, if you grow hungry during your exploration, you can treat yourself to their delicious wood-fired pizza—yum!
Pro tip: Since you’ll mostly spend your time sun-drenched in this vineyard, we recommend wearing a sun hat and applying some sunscreen. Furthermore, it wouldn’t hurt to wear some comfy sneakers! |
Villa Maria Estate Marlborough Cellar Door
Website: https://www.villamariawines.com
Address: New Renwick Road, Fairhall 7201, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 3 520 8472
Operating hours: Weekdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Costs: $$$
Any wine enthusiast has most likely heard of Villa Maria, especially its Sauvignon Blanc. If you have, then good news because you can see how these bottles are meticulously made by visiting its estate in its Marlborough cellar door!
Even if you haven’t heard of the brand, however, Villa Maria Estate is still worth visiting because of its stunning views. These majestic views come courtesy of the lines of vineyards found here as well as the mountainous range that’s visible from the winery.
Aside from the myriad of wines that you’ll be treated to, the biggest highlight here is the cafe, which overlooks the aforementioned vineyard and mountains. Here, you can sip on your favourite wine and pair it with some delicious dishes like confit pork belly—salivating yet?
Pro tip: Be sure to get there as early as possible! Their doors are only open until 4:00 PM. |
Ascension Wine Estate
Website: https://ascensionwine.co.nz
Address: 480 Matakana Road, Laly Haddon Place, Matakana 0985, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 21 885 554
Operating hours: Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Costs: $$$
Ascension Wine Estate is one of the most breathtaking wineries in New Zealand. Although you have to go on a cruise just to get here, the trip is well worth it because of the delicious bottles of wine it houses—plus, who doesn’t want to go on a cruise?
The beautiful and lush greenery that surrounds this winery as well as the Italian-inspired estate itself are the reasons why this is one of the most sought-after wedding venues. Furthermore, the winery also features an amazing restaurant that serves delicious Italian delicacies.
These delicacies include fried calamari, authentic gourmet pizza and pasta—all of which are perfect to pair with a nice bottle of wine.
Pro tip: Make sure to save room for dessert! Their delicious tiramisu is worth dying for. |
Soljans Estate Winery
Website: https://soljans.co.nz
Address: 366 State Highway 16, Kumeū 0892, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 412 5858
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Costs: $$
When it comes to longevity, Soljan Estate Winery has a lot of these wineries beat! It was founded back in 1937 and has been producing premium wine for New Zealanders as well as internationally since then.
It has also transcended into mainstream attraction, as it’s become a must-visit for anyone, regardless of their knowledge of wine. This is great considering that they offer their tours and wine-tasting programs seven days a week.
Another reason for their mainstream attraction is their cheap wine-tasting price! They only charge 10 CAD per head and 25 CAD if you want to include a tour of the vineyard and winery along with your wine-tasting experience.
Pro tip: As much as possible, we recommend driving here since the estate has more than ample parking space. Plus, the estate is only a 20-minute drive away from the city business district of Auckland. |
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
Website: https://mudbrick.co.nz
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 372 9050
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Costs: $$$
Visiting Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is like visiting a rom-com movie set, with its picture-perfect scenery and rows of vineyards. It also does a great job of providing its guests with a complete wine-tasting experience!
Your afternoon in this winery will consist of sophisticated palates of wine, delicious food and of course, good times. The outstanding food comes courtesy of their amazing Flagship Mudbrick restaurant, which offers a 7-course tasting menu all while providing stunning views of the sea!
The wine tasting is held in their cellar door and will be helmed by one of their teams to ensure that your tastebuds will get the best experience. Each tasting will last around 30 to 40 minutes and will consist of different varietals.
Pro tips: If you can’t get enough of the views and experience that this winery provides, you can opt to stay in one of their luxurious cottages and lodges! These rooms feature premium amenities and the same amazing views you’ll find around the estate. |
Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail
– Media credit: taliarit
Website: https://www.brickbay.co.nz
Address: 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 0982, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 425 4690’
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Costs: $$$
Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail is the perfect example of a laid-back adventure. Consisting of 4 hectares and a handful of postcard-like sceneries, this winery is always fun to explore whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just someone who loves to admire nature.
This winery is also a great destination for foodies out there because of the delicious dishes served in its all-day dining restaurant. From salmon to burgers and more, this restaurant offers tantalising delicacies that are sure to satisfy both your hunger and taste buds.
It’s also beloved by wine lovers nationwide because of how accessible it is as a winery, as it doesn’t require visitors to make any reservations. Anyone can just stop by and their team will be more than happy to take them through the wide array of their homegrown bottles of wine.
Pro tip: If the summertime heat of Auckland is starting to get the best of you, make sure to stop by the famous Snells Beach! This beach is perfect for cooling down, with its beautifully warm and shallow waters. |