Wine and dine: The ultimate guide to Auckland’s vineyards

Think beachfront beauties, rolling hill retreats, and boutique gems just a cork-pop from the city; here are Auckland’s must-visit vineyards that serve up much more than just a good drop.

Waiheke Island wineries

Just a 35-minute ferry ride with Fullers360 from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a haven for wine lovers. Known as the ‘Island of Wine’, it’s home to more than 50 wineries and vineyards tucked into rolling hills, coastal cliffs and hidden valleys.

Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant

Mudbrick is the epitome of Waiheke romance; think lavender-lined paths, luxurious charm, and postcard-worthy views across the Hauraki Gulf to the city skyline. Take your pick between the elegant Mudbrick Dining Room or the more relaxed modern bistro, The Archive Bar & Bistro, both serving up exceptional food with a side of sea breeze. Grab a glass of rosé, find your perfect perch, and let time slow to island pace.

Stonyridge Vineyard

This legendary winery is famed for its relaxed energy and Bordeaux-style reds, especially the iconic Larose, which has even beaten top French wines in blind tastings. The cellar door is open daily for tastings, and the on-site cafe dishes up Mediterranean-inspired fare under olive trees with a soundtrack of clinking glasses.

Whether for a long lunch or just a drink on the sun-drenched deck, this place is effortlessly cool and the wine is just as smooth.

Man O’ War Vineyard

Waiheke’s largest and most remote vineyard at the north-eastern end of the island is worth the adventure. Arrive by road, by boat or by helicopter (by prior arrangement) and you’ll be rewarded with beachfront views, delicious food, and beautiful wine flights so you can taste an array of drops. It’s the kind of place that makes the rest of the world feel far, far away.

Tūāpae Vineyard

Positioned in the hills of Onetangi, Tūāpae Vineyard is a Treasure of Tāmaki, guided by the te ao Māori principle of ki uta, ki tai – the understanding that what happens on the land flows to the sea. This boutique vineyard spans three hectares, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot planted across the block.

Tūāpae offers a peaceful tasting experience with light platters, scenic surroundings and a deep connection to place. The cellar door closes over winter, so be sure to check before planning a visit.

Tantalus Estate

From the lush entranceway to the speakeasy-style brewery lounge, Tantalus is a vibe. With Spanish-inspired design, refined seasonal menus, and estate-grown wines, it’s ideal for long lunches that (accidentally) turn into dinners.

The Shed Te Motu

Known for its rich, beautifully aged Cab-Merlot blends, this laid-back family-run spot delivers serious flavour without the fuss. Grab a table at The Shed and settle in for hearty, seasonal dishes made to match the wines, with produce fresh from the garden. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and exactly where you want to be when you’ve got nowhere else to be.

Wild Estate

Wild Estate calls itself the ‘Untamed Winery’ and it lives up to the name. This boutique spot blends bold wines, a beautiful setting and a playful mix of lawn games, live entertainment, and hands-on fun like claybird shooting and archery. The Wild menu ranges from fish crudo to brisket and bite-sized snacks made for grazing with a group.

While Waiheke is known for its reds, Wild Estate leans into crisp whites and lighter styles. Can’t decide? Grab a tasting tray and find your favourite, then stay for a glass, a bottle, or take-home supplies.

Batch Winery

Batch Winery sits at one of the highest points on Waiheke, with 360° panoramas across the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula. Though the views alone are worth the trip, there’s plenty more to toast to.

It’s the only winery on the island producing sparkling wine on-site, thanks to two of the few Charmat tanks in the country. The vineyard grows Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Syrah, each poured alongside a refined, seasonal menu designed to showcase the best of the island’s produce.

Kennedy Point Vineyard

Kennedy Point is Waiheke’s only certified organic vineyard. Their Syrah, Chardonnay, and Rosé are grown with care on coastal slopes surrounded by some of the island’s oldest pōhutukawa trees.

Book a table overlooking Kennedy Bay and enjoy a locally sourced platter matched to their wines, or simply sip and soak up the peaceful, natural setting. 

Cable Bay Vineyards

Cable Bay gets the mix just right: great wine, great food, and knockout views. Whether you’re kicking back on the Verandah, settling into the Bistro, or soaking up the sun outside, it’s the kind of place where long lunches have a habit of turning into sunset sessions.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu is packed with fresh, seasonal flavour, perfectly matched to their boutique wines. 

Poderi Crisci

A little slice of Italy on Waiheke, Poderi Crisci is famous for its long Italian lunches, lush gardens, and Old World-style wines. The west-facing restaurant soaks up the last of the afternoon sun, making it perfect for al fresco dining year-round, whether you're here for a casual lunch, family celebration, or romantic dinner.

Surrounded by vines and valley views, it’s a sensory escape complete with pasta, Prosecco, and plenty of amore.

Passage Rock Winery

Tucked into the quiet eastern end of Waiheke, Passage Rock is a welcoming spot surrounded by vines, and home to Waiheke’s most awarded wine, their Reserve Syrah. The restaurant is relaxed yet refined, with a menu carefully designed to complement their boutique wines.

Enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vineyard, choose your own pairings or opt for expertly matched dishes, and soak up the atmosphere. There are lawn games for all ages, space for the whole family (dogs included), and every reason to stay a little longer.

Waiheke Wine Tours

Not a vineyard, but a must-mention if you want to sip without the stress, Waiheke Wine Tours offers a relaxed, expertly guided way to explore the island’s wine scene. You’ll visit three of Waiheke’s world-class cellar doors for tastings, enjoy a scenic lunch stop, and travel in comfort with a local guide who knows the island inside out.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Waiheke’s unique terroir, winemaking challenges, and hidden gems, plus take in stunning beaches, rolling vineyards, and village views from the road.

Casita Miro

Take a jaunt to the Mediterranean at Casita Miro. Famous for its Gaudi-inspired architecture, mosaic-filled courtyard and Spanish-style shared plates, this spot feels like a little fiesta tucked into the hillside.

Pair your tapas with estate-grown Syrah or Albariño, and be sure to try Cat’s famous handmade focaccia, alongside Miro Grove olive oil.

Matakana wine country

Just under an hour north of Auckland, Matakana is known for its boutique vineyards, artisan charm, and laid-back pace. Here, you’ll find a mix of character-filled cellar doors and scenic backroads that make wine tasting feel like a mini escape.

Brick Bay Wines

Brick Bay blends art, architecture, and exceptional wine in one scenic package. The boutique vineyard produces limited-release wines from handpicked Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux reds — including rare Petit Verdot — grown with care and low yields. You can take your time with a self-guided tasting, available daily with detailed notes to walk you through each pour.

For lunch, head to The Glasshouse restaurant and request a table at The Vineyard Row, an outdoor dining space set under 25-year-old Pinot Gris vines, before taking a stroll through the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail.

Matakana Estate

Matakana Estate offers a more personal take on wine tasting, with private experiences available by booking only. While the cellar door no longer operates for casual walk-ins, the team crafts bespoke tastings that dive into how the region’s maritime climate shapes each vintage.

Heron’s Flight Vineyard

Specialising in Italian varietals like Dolcetto and Sangiovese, Heron’s Flight brings something different to the Matakana mix. It’s relaxed, rustic, and a haven for red wine lovers seeking something a little off the beaten track. Stop by for a tasting flight and create your own platter by selecting treats from the on-site deli.

Kumeū & Waimauku wineries

Just a short drive from the city, Kumeū and Waimauku are Auckland’s oldest wine regions, steeped in history and full of character. Expect family-run estates, award-winning drops, and a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Soljans Estate Winery

Just 20 minutes from the city, Soljans is a long-standing favourite in Kumeū. Enjoy brunch or lunch at the bistro, or join a tasting or tour to learn more about the history of the winery and the philosophy and Croatian roots behind Soljans’ winemaking.

Westbrook Winery

Tucked away in 20 acres of peaceful, park-like grounds, Westbrook Winery’s cellar door overlooks a lily pond and vine-covered terraces, setting the scene for a peaceful tasting experience.

Try their signature Chardonnay or build your own wine flight, then settle in with a glass and a wood-fired pizza or a wine-matched platter on the covered patio, sunny deck, or a shady spot under the trees. 

Coopers Creek Vineyard

Known for doing things a little differently, Coopers Creek has been a pioneer in bringing adventurous wine styles to New Zealand drinkers. Their Albariño is a multi-award-winning favourite, while the long-running Swamp Reserve Chardonnay remains a true classic.

The cellar door is open seven days a week, with tastings available daily, and in summer, the vineyard turns up the vibe with live jazz every Sunday. 

Babich Wines

As one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned wineries, Babich blends tradition with innovation. Visit their historic Henderson Valley cellar door (one of the most well-known wine cellars in Auckland), open Monday-Friday, for a deep dive into three generations of winemaking and to purchase some seriously good Sauvignon Blanc.

South Auckland winery gems

South Auckland may fly under the radar when it comes to wine country, but it’s home to a couple of hidden gems. With rolling hills, peaceful rural settings, and boutique venues offering warm hospitality, it’s well worth the detour.

John Hill Estate

Tucked into the foothills of the Hunua Ranges, John Hill Estate is a boutique, family-run vineyard just 45 minutes from Auckland Central. Enjoy a wine flight paired with their signature vineyard platter, then stick around for a game of petanque or (in summer) try your hand at archery or laser clay shooting. 

Vin Alto

Set in the Clevedon hills, just 40 minutes from the CBD, Vin Alto offers a peaceful escape with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Dine al fresco among the olive trees, sip on local and international wines (or a crisp craft beer), and enjoy elegant, seasonal dishes in a beautifully renovated winery setting. It’s like a quick trip to Tuscany, without leaving Auckland.