Matakana Vineyards
Growing red and white
Matakana vineyards grow 28 varieties of wine grapes, 17 red and 11 white. Chardonnay is the most widely planted with 15 producers making “wines of a bright, aromatic, soft, round, full typical of a warmer region” according to Simon Nash MW. Pinot Gris is the most voluminous variety, with over 11 hectares planted. There are small plantings of Flora (from USA), Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne (France), Gruner Veltliner (probably Austria), Albarino and Verdelho (Spain and Portugal).
It’s the red grapes that provide the most diverse range. Matakana is home to classic Bordeaux varietals, including the rather rare Petit Verdot, but also Carmenere, (technically Bordeaux but more at home in Chile), five Italian varietals, namely Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Montepulciano. We also grow a Spanish red, Temparrillo, along with Pinotage (South Africa), Pinot Noir, Chambourcin and Tannat (all French).
Make it a point to try a new wine this season, either at our Matakana vineyards’ cellar doors or at The Vintry in Matakana village. Guaranteed you will find a brand new, exciting favourite.
VISIT OUR VINEYARDS
“Think Matakana, think red wines, especially Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds in the Bordeaux mould. But recently Matakana’s Pinot Gris and Chardonnay have looked at least the equal of its reds… With its lovely hills, fields and vineyards, burgeoning wineries and snowball number of tourists, the Matakana area has even been promoted as ‘Auckland’s answer to Tuscany’”.
“In favourably dry seasons, the wines of Matakana shine, with the Chardonnays and Pinot Gris offering ripe, stone fruit characters and moderate acidity, and the reds reflecting the area’s warmth in their substantial body and rich, spicy, earthy flavours.”
– Michael Cooper’s Wine Atlas of New Zealand
Visit Matakana Vineyards
Click on our wineries in the map below to find out more
BRICK BAY WINES
A spectacular glass house and cellar door cantilevered over a shimmering lily pond. Estate-grown wines: Pinot Gris, Rosé, Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends. Contemporary New Zealand sculpture in a sublime native landscape on the Sculpture Trail. A sensational menu offers relaxed, all day dining.
COXHEAD CREEK VINEYARD
A boutique family vineyard producing quality wines that express the unique character of Matakana. Grapes are hand-picked and bunch pressed. Cabernet Franc, Rosé, Chardonnay and Verdelho – are single vineyard-grown and available online.
THE GABION
Cabernet Franc and Merlot bear more than a passing resemblance to high quality Right Bank Bordeaux reds. A selection of vintages available at The Vintry in Matakana, no cellar door sales.
GILLMAN VINEYARD
Having learnt the art of winemaking locally and travelling to Bordeaux, Toby Gillman now proudly offers one of New Zealand’s most exclusive and sought-after red wines – an elegant and complex blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.
HERON’S FLIGHT VINEYARD, WINERY & TASTING ROOM
With 3 generations living on the property, you will likely be greeted by a member of the family, who will share some history of Heron’s Flight – and offer you tastings of the wines produced onsite from the Italian varietals; Sangiovese and Dolcetto. You can also select items from the Tasting Room’s Deli section, and ‘Build Your Own’ platter or picnic to enjoy amongst the vines.
MAHURANGI RIVER
The clay soils in this rolling north-facing vineyard were planted with Bordeaux and Rhone varieties and produced limited quantities of distinctive wines, each with remarkable intensity and character. 2016 was the last vintage grown. Wines are available online.
MATAKANA ESTATE
The region’s largest vineyard and cellar door with a diverse range of premium wines. Visit the new cellar door and enjoy a taste of award-winning wines that express the fruit characters and terroir of this landmark estate.
MATAVINO WINES
Owner Jim Hight planted some truly interesting Italian red varieties from the Piedmont area. Inside the winery you can taste Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and the acclaimed Barbera, as well as Chardonnay and Viognier. View a traditional winemaking method involving ancient clay amphorae, which gives his wines a unique flavour.
NOLA VINEYARD
Family owned, sustainably farmed and tended by hand. Growing quality grapes and making memorable wine is deeply influenced by the tradition of Karl’s Dalmatian families. With Syrah, Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne and Chardonnay growing in the vineyard, there is a wine here for all tastes. Karl and Sheelagh look forward to sharing these with you.
OMAHA BAY VINEYARD
Drive through the beautiful family-owned vineyard to the cellar door and barrel hall, where you can taste OBV’s elegant wines including their sought-after Rosé and Montepulciano. Stay for a delicious platter and take in the breath taking 360° coastal views over Omaha Beach and Little Barrier Island.
OCTOBER 30
The 42-hectare BioGro certified organic property boasts Chardonnay, Syrah and the Austrian variety Grüner veltliner, carefully chosen for compatibility with Matakana’s climate, soils and environment. October 30 wines receive consistently good ratings. Sam Kim, reviewer for Wine Orbit describes the Methode Traditionelle as ‘fruit forward and gently fragrant,’ and gives the bubbly a solid 4 stars.
OMAHA HILLS
Perched over the south end of Omaha Beach looking to Little Barrier Island and the Mokihinaus. Producing super premium hand-crafted wines from low yielding vines. Specialising in Syrah and Bordeaux blends, wines are limited. New Albarino grapes planted by expert winemaker Warren Knudsen. The popular 2019 Syrah, and Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc – if you can find it, will show best drinking from 2022 to 2026.
QUAIL RISE VINEYARD
A North facing boutique vineyard, growing Chardonnay and Merlot grapes. Nestled beneath a pine forest offering luxury accommodation set within the vines. Matakana village, the wine trail and beautiful beaches are all within easy reach. This boutique location ticks all your ‘must do’ boxes.
RIFT WINES
Farmers for more than 40 years, Bill and Deb Coates have swapped livestock for rootstocks, now growing Syrah and Chardonnay in Matakana. Their hillside vineyard is named RIFT after the colourful and somewhat fractious history of the property, as well as being a nod to the gaping cracks that open up in their clay soils during the summertime.
RUNNER DUCK ESTATE
Clyde and Farida left colourful Mumbai to pursue their passion for food and wine in New Zealand. Falling in love with Matakana they purchased their vineyard, Runner Duck Estate and later Plume Restaurant and Plume Villas. Experience Farida’s passion for global cuisine and Clyde’s knowledge and love for wine. Visit Plume to taste their delicious Runner Duck Estate wines, delightful cuisine and relax with glorious landscaped vineyard views.
SCULPTUREUM & ROTHKO
New Zealand’s unique destination with extensive sculpture gardens and world class indoor art galleries. Spend the day discovering over 850 works of art, dine at onsite restaurant, Rothko, or sample the range of Sculptureum Garden and Art Series wines, including a Bordeaux Blend, Syrah, Chardonnay and Rosé.
SPEAKEASY WINES
Some of Matakana’s most unique and exclusive wines, crafted using natural winemaking. Our small but mighty range is focused around premium Bordeaux red varieties and includes sparkling wines and rosés. We share our secluded winery with the Bohemian Cider team. When you visit you can also taste award-winning ciders. Please book at least 2 days in advance.
TAKATU VINEYARD
The lodge and vineyard embrace vista views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Tamahunga and rolling pastures. Traditional winemaking techniques use only immaculate fruit, low cropped to respect the nature and location of the vineyard. Beautifully balanced wines which age slowly and gracefully.
THE VINTRY WINE BAR
A friendly boutique bar and tasting room, showcasing Matakana’s local wine and more. Located in the heart of the Village, enjoy a glass of Matakana wine on the sun deck, in leather chairs by the fire, even take it into the movies. The staff are proud ambassadors of Matakana’s wines. Buy bottles to take home at cellar door prices.
YAKUTIN FAMILY WINES
This small vineyard marked by a relic brick chimney on Matakana Road, now produces distinctive wines. Based on Old World traditions, Oleg and Tanya believe that wine is a true expression of land, people and time. Their wines are a tribute to the traditions of their homeland – Kazakhstan. Their range is currently available online and from the Vintry.
VISIT OUR VINEYARDS
Open for Tasting
Open by Appointment
Other Vineyards
Wine Trail Map
Download our A4 double-sided printable and screen-friendly version of the Matakana Wine Trail Map here
Come and discover our Matakana vineyards with passionate locals.
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