Auckland's modern wine region took shape in the early twentieth century, when Croatian, Lebanese and English winemakers established it. It includes Waiheke Island, West Auckland and Matakana, with volcanic, clay-rich soils and a temperate maritime climate. Waiheke has a long association with Cabernet-based red blends. It also grows Syrah, Chardonnay, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, Viognier and Pinot Gris. Syrah can be intensely aromatic, with pronounced fruit flavours. In West Auckland, Kumeu is known for Chardonnay. Matakana makes Pinot Gris, Syrah and Cabernet-based wines with body and texture. Its Pinot Gris can be weighty, with ripe stone fruit, pear and spice. Auckland Chardonnay can combine ripe tropical fruit with refreshing acidity.
1 named area
Inside the region
Explore the wine-growing areas of Auckland.
Producer profiles
Producer profiles
Every producer profiled in Auckland so far.
- Gardo & MorrisHusband-and-wife New Zealand boutique producing organic Pinot Noir from Marlborough and Central Otago, distributed through Sweden.
- Kumeu River WinesBrajkovich family Chardonnay from Kumeu, with clay over sandstone, hand harvesting, and wines from Kumeu and Hawkes Bay.