Sipping in the City of Sails
When people think of New Zealand wine, Marlborough, Central Otago, or Hawke’s Bay usually come to mind. But Auckland has its own unique, understated charm. Here, wine country isn’t sprawling farmland—it’s a mix of urban creativity, beautiful coastlines, and historic vineyards. It’s the kind of place where you can sip world-class wine at lunch and still be back at your desk before 2.
The Auckland wine region stretches across the city’s surrounding areas and nearby islands, with vineyards scattered across:
Waiheke Island (more on that later)
Matakana
Kumeu (Henderson Valley)
Pockets of West and North Auckland
Auckland’s charm lies in its maritime climate. Nearly encircled by water, its vineyards enjoy warm yet tempered temperatures, plenty of sunshine, refreshing sea breezes, and long, gentle ripening seasons. This blend helps grapes build rich flavors while keeping their natural acidity, creating wines that are balanced, textured, and perfect with food. The soils are just as diverse—spanning ancient volcanic clay and loam to sandy coastal stretches—bringing even more depth and character to the region’s wines.
Kumeu & West Auckland: The Chardonnay Capital
While Waiheke dominates the red wine conversation, Kumeu (also known as the Henderson Valley) is widely regarded as New Zealand’s spiritual home of Chardonnay. Located just 25 minutes from central Auckland, this area produces some of the country’s most acclaimed white wines—particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Kumeu Chardonnays are celebrated for their Burgundian style, subtle oak integration, distinctive mineral structure, and a perfect balance between richness and acidity.
Matakana: Boutique and Emerging
To the north of Auckland lies Matakana, a small but growing wine region that blends rural charm with coastal influence. Vineyards here tend to be small, experimental, and highly personal. Matakana produces Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and unique small-batch blends. The region feels less polished than Waiheke or Kumeu, but that’s part of its appeal. Matakana is about discovery, creativity, and wines made with personality rather than production targets.
Wine Tourism: A Lifestyle Experience
Wine in Auckland is as much about experience as it is about the bottle. Unlike rural wine regions that require long drives and multi-day itineraries, Auckland offers ferry-accessible wineries, vineyards nestled within the city, tasting rooms with stunning beach views, and restaurants built right into the heart of the vineyards.
You can spend a morning exploring city cafés, an afternoon wine tasting on Waiheke, and a sunset dinner overlooking the Hauraki Gulf—all without ever needing a car. This accessibility makes Auckland one of the world’s most relaxed and lifestyle-driven wine destinations. Auckland doesn’t try to compete with New Zealand’s big wine regions. It doesn’t aim for volume or uniformity. Instead, it embraces what sets it apart: small-scale producers, high-end boutique wines, a strong emphasis on hospitality and food, and wines influenced by the ocean rather than the plains.
Soljans Estate Winery
Talking about Port with Tony Soljan, 3rd generation owner and winemaker
Soljans Estate Winery stands as one of New Zealand’s most enduring family-run wineries — a place where heritage, hospitality, and expressive wines come together just a short drive from central Auckland. Located in Kumeū Wine Country, this winery is celebrated not only for its award-winning wines but also for its welcoming atmosphere, scenic vineyards, and connection to generations of winemaking tradition.
Soljans Estate’s story begins in 1937, when Bartul Soljan — a Croatian immigrant — laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational wine family. Since then, Soljans has grown into one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned wineries, now operating with involvement from the third, fourth, and fifth generations of the Soljan family. This deep family connection is a defining part of Soljans’ identity. You see it in the wines they craft, the way they welcome visitors, and the sense of continuity that comes from nearly a century of working with the land.
Our tour and tasting was led by the current Patriarch of the family, 81-year old Tony Soljan, the most lively winemaker I’ve ever met. Tony brings his guests around the grounds of the vineyard and through the production warehouse with a pride and knowledge you just don’t find in family wineries these days. Celebrating 85 vintages and 5 generations of family within the company, Tony and his family really showcase what love and patience can do in this business. Tony’s grandson Tyler, the 5th generation, can often be found in the tasting room, keeping glasses full and trying his best to keep up with Grandpa, no small feat but an awesome legacy to be part of!
Soljans finds itself at the gateway to Kumeū Wine Country, roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Auckland — making it one of the easiest winery visits for city visitors. Once you arrive you can expect to sample a selection of Soljans’ award-winning wines right where they’re made, from crisp whites to elegant reds and sparkling favorites, tasting experiences where hosts — usually the Soljan family themselves — guide visitors through a curated flight of wines and share stories about the estate’s history and winemaking process and gorgeous scenic views: rolling vineyards and rustic charm give the estate a countryside feel that’s easy to relax into, even on a short visit from the city.
Beyond tasting wines, Soljans is also known for its bistro and café offerings. Set within the winery grounds, the restaurant serves meals that complement the wines — a blend of local produce with Mediterranean and Kiwi influences. Many visitors pair a tasting with brunch, lunch, or a casual meal outdoors, making a day at Soljans feel like more than just a wine stop.
The Wines 🍷
Soljans Estate Winery produces a wide and approachable range of wines that reflect the heritage, climate, and grape diversity of both its home in Kumeū and fruit sourced from other quality New Zealand wine regions. With nearly 90 years of family-run winemaking tradition, Soljans’ wines are grounded in consistency and character while still offering something for every kind of wine lover. Soljans categorizes its wines into a few key ranges, each with its own personality and purpose:
Estate Range - The backbone of the Soljans lineup, showcasing everyday approachable wines that express the local terroir with clarity and balance. These include classic whites, rosé, and reds that pair well with a range of foods.
Barrique Reserve Range - A step up in texture and aging potential, this range often features oak-influenced wines with additional structure and complexity, particularly in Chardonnay and select reds.
Sparkling Range - Soljans is especially known for its sparkling wines — particularly the Fusion Sparkling Muscat — which has become one of New Zealand’s most awarded sparkling wine styles. These wines are festive, aromatic, and showcase luscious fruit with lively bubbles.
Heritage & Special Releases - Limited edition and small-batch wines, including reserve bottlings and bottles from exceptional vintages, often carry a sense of craft and celebration tied to the Soljan family legacy.
The tasting experience began with the Legacy Méthode Traditionnelle which sits at the more refined end of Soljans’ sparkling range and feels like a quiet tribute to the winery’s heritage. Aromas of toasted brioche, green apple, citrus peel, and subtle almond rise gently from the glass, hinting at time spent aging on lees. On the palate, the bubbles are fine and persistent, carrying flavors of lemon, pear, and light pastry with a dry, elegant finish. It feels composed and celebratory in a different way — less about sweetness and immediacy, more about structure, texture, and craftsmanship.
Moving into the whites, their Chardonnay’s nose shows stone fruit, peach, and lemon curd, gently supported by subtle vanilla and oak. In the mouth, it feels rounded and smooth, with enough acidity to keep everything fresh. It’s a comforting wine, one that feels equally suited to a long lunch or a quiet evening meal.
The Pinot Gris offered a softer, more aromatic profile, opening with pear, apple, citrus blossom, and a hint of spice. The palate is generous and gently textured, with ripe orchard fruit balanced by mild acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc is the most vibrant of the whites, lifting the mood with fresh lime, passionfruit, and green herbal notes. The acidity is crisp and refreshing, giving the wine a clean, energetic finish. It’s bright and uncomplicated, the kind of wine that works just as well on its own as it does with food.
The Rosé introduces a lighter, more delicate tone. Aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and rose petal create a soft and inviting first impression. On the palate, the wine stays dry and refreshing, with red berry fruit and a subtle mineral edge that keeps it elegant and crisp.
Turning to the reds, the Merlot shows a plush and approachable side of the range. Dark fruit flavors of plum and blackberry dominate, supported by gentle chocolate and spice notes. The tannins are soft and rounded, giving the wine a smooth, easy-drinking feel that works effortlessly at the table.
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend brings more structure and depth. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, cedar, and dried herbs set the tone, followed by a layered palate with firmer tannins and longer length.
Some of Soljans’ more experimental or limited reds, such as Pinotage or specialty blends, lean into darker, more rustic territory. These wines often show bold berry fruit, earthy spice, and smoky undertones, with fuller bodies and a warming finish.
Founder’s Tawny Port — A Legacy in a Glass
Among the wide and diverse range of wines produced at Soljans Estate Winery, few carry as much heritage and emotional weight as their port-style wines. These fortified wines are not just part of Soljans’ portfolio—they are a living connection to the winery’s earliest days and to the traditions brought to New Zealand by Croatian winemakers nearly a century ago. Soljans’ relationship with port-style wines goes back to the very beginning of the estate. When the Soljan family first began making wine in the 1930s, fortified wines were among the most practical and popular styles. They were stable, age-worthy, and well suited to the cooler cellar conditions of early New Zealand wineries. Over generations, the recipe and methods have been refined, but the philosophy has remained the same: rich fruit, careful fortification, and long, patient aging.
Soljans’ port is still made in small quantities, often using traditional techniques that prioritize flavor and texture over modern shortcuts. Soljans produces several styles of port-style wine, typically using red grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or other classic blending grapes. The exact blend can vary by vintage, but the house style remains consistent. One of the defining features of Soljans’ port is extended barrel aging. Some releases are aged for many years in oak before bottling, allowing the wine to develop nutty and caramel tones, softened tannins, and a silky, integrated finish. Older Soljans ports often show remarkable maturity, with flavors of toffee, roasted nuts, dried fruit, and gentle spice.
This was easily my favorite wine of the tasting, as I love a smooth Port that drinks slow but encompasses the winery in a single glass. It was also amazing to sit and talk with Tony about his family’s Port making history, and the barrels he set aside for his daughters when they were born. I didn’t have any luck getting him to open them up, but I would pay big money to be there when he does because those casks will be something special!
The Hunting Lodge
Located in the countryside of Waimauku, West Auckland—just a 35-minute drive from Auckland’s city center—The Hunting Lodge Winery offers a truly distinctive and inviting wine experience. Spanning an 80-acre estate at the heart of Kumeu wine country, this venue blends winemaking, dining, hospitality, and community-focused spaces to create a destination celebrated for both its atmosphere and wines. The property has roots dating back to 1868, starting out as a rural homestead and restaurant, and over time was managed by notable Auckland wine families. In 2016, Brent and Denise Sutton reimagined the site, respecting its history while turning it into a lively place known for exceptional wine, delicious food, and welcoming social events. The Hunting Lodge reflects both the heritage of Auckland’s wine culture and a contemporary, experimental spirit. Its chief winemaker, Pete Turner, draws on decades of experience in New Zealand wine, emphasizing wines that feel “honest, balanced, and enjoyable”—a philosophy that mirrors the relaxed yet refined experience of the winery itself. During our visit right after the new year, Pete and his family just welcomed a new baby, so I couldn’t chat with him, but congrats to the Turner family!
Like many wineries in the area, the Hunting Lodge adopts sustainable methods aimed at maintaining healthy vineyards and responsible land management, aligning with the general approach of Auckland wine country. The winery uses grapes from its own vineyards as well as those from carefully chosen premium growers throughout New Zealand. This enables them to create a broad selection of wines, including:
🍇Sauvignon Blanc
🍇Chardonnay
🍇Pinot Gris
🍇Pinot Noir
🍇Merlot & Malbec blends
🍇Albariño (my wife’s favorite)
🍇Rosé
The cellar door at The Hunting Lodge beckons visitors into a beautifully restored historic homestead. Tastings here are meant to be relaxed and informative rather than formal, often featuring 7–10 wines that span the breadth of their current releases. Guests can learn about the winemaking process, tour the vineyards, and sample whites and reds that reflect both local terroir and New Zealand’s wider wine landscape. We very much enjoyed the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the welcoming atmosphere throughout the property.
More than just a winery, The Hunting Lodge integrates dining and leisure into its wine experience:
Restaurant: Seasonal menus celebrate fresh local produce, often sourced directly from gardens on site or nearby farms. These dishes are carefully crafted to complement the wine list.
Lawn Bar & Event Spaces: Outdoor hospitality zones make it easy to enjoy wine with relaxed grazing boards, picnic-style seating, or casual lunches.
Events & Weddings: The rustic yet elegant estate is a popular setting for celebrations and gatherings, combining vineyard views with historic charm.
The Wines 🍷
Albariño
The Albariño opens with a lifted, maritime-driven aromatic profile: saline breeze, white peach, lemon pith, and green apple skin, underpinned by subtle fennel, chamomile, and crushed oyster shell. On the palate, the wine is linear and tightly coiled, driven by bright citrus acidity and a distinctive mineral tension that gives it both precision and energy. Mid-palate texture reveals hints of pear flesh, almond meal, and wet stone, while the finish is long, dry, and faintly phenolic, with a gentle bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit zest and sea spray. This is a cool-climate expression that prioritizes structure over exuberance, making it exceptionally food-driven and gastronomic. It’s not just a good Albariño for New Zealand. It’s a great Albariño, full stop.
Organic Sauvignon Blanc
This Sauvignon Blanc presents a more restrained, terroir-focused expression than the classic Marlborough style. Aromatically, it leans toward fresh-cut lime, kaffir lime leaf, white currant, gooseberry, and subtle herbal notes of nettle and lemongrass. There is also a quiet flinty edge suggesting partial wild fermentation or minimal intervention. The palate is vibrant yet composed, with crystalline acidity framing layers of citrus oil, green melon, and fresh herbs. The texture is slightly broader than expected, offering a soft mid-palate before tightening into a clean, mineral-driven finish. The wine feels pure, precise, and quietly complex—more about freshness and clarity than overt tropical fruit.
Organic Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir is immediately expressive but finely tuned, opening with red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, and subtle forest floor. Secondary notes of dried thyme, clove, and a faint smoky undertone add depth without masking the fruit. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with silky, polished tannins and vibrant natural acidity that keeps the fruit lifted and energetic. The mid-palate reveals layered complexity—cranberry, pomegranate, soft spice, and gentle savory elements—while the finish is long, refined, and quietly earthy. This is a Pinot that emphasizes transparency and balance over power, showing a clear sense of place and restraint.
Malbec
The Malbec shows a darker, more brooding profile, beginning with aromas of black plum, blueberry, and blackberry, supported by cocoa powder, violet, and subtle graphite. The palate is generous and plush, with ripe dark fruit framed by supple but structured tannins. There is a core of juicy acidity that prevents the wine from feeling heavy, allowing flavors of cassis, baking spice, and dark chocolate to unfold gradually. Oak influence is present but integrated, contributing gentle toast and vanilla rather than dominance. The finish is long, warming, and layered, with lingering notes of black fruit and soft spice, giving the wine both richness and poise.
Auckland Winery Roundup
Kumeū & West Auckland -The historic heart of Auckland wine
Kumeū is widely considered the spiritual home of Auckland wine. Just 25–35 minutes from the CBD, this area is known for cool-climate whites, elegant reds, and some of New Zealand’s most respected family-run estates.
Soljans Estate Winery
Soljans is one of the most enduring names in Auckland wine, with nearly a century of family winemaking behind it. The estate produces a broad, approachable range of wines, from crisp whites and soft reds to their iconic Fusion Sparkling Muscat and traditional port-style wines. Soljans stands out for its heritage and hospitality. It’s the kind of place where wine feels personal rooted in family history, made for sharing, and designed to be enjoyed with food. Their lineup leans toward balance and accessibility rather than intensity, making it a perfect introduction to Auckland wine culture.
Known for: Sparkling Muscat, Pinot Gris, Merlot blends, Port
Vibe: Heritage, warm, welcoming
The Hunting Lodge
The Hunting Lodge is one of the most complete wine destinations in Auckland. Set on a historic estate in Waimauku, it blends winery, restaurant, gardens, and cellar door into a single experience. Their wines reflect a modern, expressive style—bright whites, elegant reds, and small-batch experimental releases like Albariño and Lagrein. What makes The Hunting Lodge special is how seamlessly wine fits into the environment. Tastings feel relaxed, food is central to the experience, and the setting encourages lingering rather than rushing.
Known for: Albariño, Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé
Vibe: Contemporary, social, lifestyle-driven
Kumeu River Wines
No Auckland trip is complete without Kumeu River. Internationally regarded as one of the great Chardonnay producers of the Southern Hemisphere, this family estate has put Kumeū on the global wine map. Their wines are precise, mineral-driven, and often compared to top white Burgundies. These are serious wines—built for cellaring, with remarkable balance and longevity.Kumeu River doesn’t focus on tourism or spectacle. The emphasis is squarely on craft.
Known for: Chardonnay (flagship), Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Vibe: Minimalist, world-class, quietly iconic
Westbrook Winery
Westbrook is a smaller, boutique operation with a strong reputation for sustainability and low-intervention winemaking. Organic vineyards, hand-harvested fruit, and minimal manipulation define their approach. Their wines tend to be textural, expressive, and deeply tied to site—often appealing to wine lovers who enjoy natural or artisanal styles.
Known for: Organic Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Syrah
Vibe: Eco-conscious, handcrafted, thoughtful
Matakana - Boutique, coastal, and quietly experimental
Matakana sits about an hour north of Auckland and offers a very different wine experience—smaller vineyards, rural charm, and a strong sense of discovery.
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
Brick Bay combines wine with art, offering one of the most immersive winery experiences in Auckland. While the vineyard itself is modest in scale, the wines are elegant and refined, often focusing on Chardonnay and Syrah. The sculpture trail adds a unique cultural layer, making Brick Bay as much about place as it is about wine.
Known for: Chardonnay, Syrah
Vibe: Artistic, serene, experiential
Heron’s Flight
Heron’s Flight is one of Matakana’s most distinctive producers, particularly known for Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Dolcetto—rare finds in New Zealand. These wines are fresh, food-driven, and made with a strong European sensibility. It’s a winery that feels personal, almost hidden, and ideal for people who enjoy stepping off the usual wine path.
Known for: Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Chardonnay
Vibe: Rustic, European, intimate