The 10 Best Wineries In Auckland (& 1 Brewery) To Visit!

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Good beer and wine is a given in New Zealand, one of the world’s top wine producers.

Being Australian, I admit to being a wine snob and thinking that only Australia can produce high quality wines, but I was pleasantly proved wrong on our trip to NZ.

New Zealand has 10 high-producing wine regions, with Auckland being one of the oldest wine regions in the country.

If you’re looking to try some of New Zealand’s top quality wines, then we recommend you visit some of the top wineries in Auckland to learn about the production and taste of these world-famous wines.

The Best Wineries in Auckland

1. West Brook Winery, Auckland

• Hours: 11.00am – 5.00pm daily
• Address: 215 Ararimu Valley Road, Waimauku R.D.2, Auckland
• Web: www.westbrook.co.nz

Westbrook Winery is a boutique family-owned winery, established in 1935, who have won multiple awards for their wines.

We met with Susan Ivicevich, the warm and friendly co-owner and chatted to her about the winery and how it was started by her husband’s Croatian family.

The winery was called West Brook due to its location beside a brook, where the original vineyard once stood.

They, of course, felt no need to change the name once they moved.

The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area with a lawn to row after row of Waimauku vines.

It is a picturesque setting to sit and get to know one of West Brook’s award winning bottles of wine and a picnic lunch

Susan took us to the tasting room to take us through the selection of award-winning wines, teaching us a little about how the wines are crafted and sharing stories of her family and grandchildren, over the sampling of some fine cabernet blends and whites.

It was hard to choose one to take home with, but we settled on a bottle of 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, which sits on our shelf here at home waiting for that special occasion where Mummy and Daddy can just sit and unwind over a nice diner together, just the two of us.

2. Kumeu River Wines

• Hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, 11.00am – 4.30pm Saturday, Closed Sunday
• Address: 550 State Highway 16, Kumeū 0892
• Web: https://kumeuriver.co.nz/

Located in West Auckland is the Kumeu wine Country, known for producing white wines, including award-winning Chardonnay.

Kumeu River Wines, founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich and his family, is one of the most renowned wineries in the region.

This family-run establishment has a rich history of crafting exceptional wines and contributing to the global reputation of the region’s wine.

A visit to Kumeu River Wines is a great way to learn about the wine making process. Guests can explore the beautiful vineyards, participate in informative tastings, and learn about the winemaking process from a family of wine makers.

Kumeu River Wines is particularly celebrated for its Chardonnays. Their Single Vineyard and Estate Chardonnays showcase the region’s unique terroir, delivering elegance and complexity in every sip.

The winery doesn’t just produce white wine but also red wine, using grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, each reflecting the passion and expertise of the Brajkovich family.

3. Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, located just 18 kilometers east of downtown Auckland, is a wine lover’s paradise.

This stunning island not only offers breathtaking scenery and pristine beaches but also boasts a thriving wine region that has gained international recognition.

Visiting Waiheke Island allows you to explore a plethora of world-class wineries and vineyards, with over 30 wineries and cellar doors to choose from.

You can indulge in tastings, guided tours, and picnics. Some notable boutique wineries on the island include Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, and Casita Miro.

The history of winemaking on Waiheke Island dates back to the 1970s when pioneers recognized the island’s potential for producing high-quality wines, with a temperate climate and excellent soil conditions.

Today, the region specializes in robust red wines, particularly Bordeaux blends and Syrah. These wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.

Aside from wine tasting, you can also explore the vibrant art scene, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and savor delicious cuisine at local restaurants and cafes.

Ferry tickets to Waiheke Island can be bought from Quay Street Ferry Terminal in central Auckland and takes about 40 minutes.

4. Church Road Winery, Hawke’s Bay

• Hours: 10.30am – 4.30pm, 5.00pm – 8.30pm Friday, 10.30am – 5.00pm Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm Sunday and Monday
• Address: 150 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112
• Web: http://www.church-road.co.nz/

Church Road Winery isn’t exactly close to Auckland, but is certainly worth a visit, since it’s nestled in the renowned Hawke’s Bay wine region of New Zealand.

With a proud heritage dating back to 1897, Church Road Winery is one of the most acclaimed wineries in the area.

Like most wineries, Church Road Winery allows guests to visit the cellar door and experience wine tastings and sales.

Church Road Winery is known for its Grand Reserve wines, crafted using selected parcels from top vineyards across Hawke’s Bay and Central Otago.

These wines are meticulously produced to showcase the region’s terroir and highlight the best qualities of the grape varietals. From rich and complex reds to elegant whites, there is something to suit every palate.

Craig did a cycling winery tour in Hawke’s Bay and loved it. The bike path is via the coastal cycleway which is a dedicated cycle path that’s flat and easy to navigate. Most of the wineries are within easy cycling distance.

5. Hunting Lodge Winery, Waimauku

• Hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm Thursday – Saturday, 11.00am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: 305/307 Waikoukou Valley Road, Waimauku 0882
• Web: https://www.thehuntinglodge.com/

The Hunting Lodge Winery, nestled in the picturesque Waimauku region of Auckland, New Zealand, is a beautiful 80-acre estate winery just a short drive from the city center.

You can explore their Cellar Door and Lawn Bar, where you can indulge in wine tastings and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

The winery also features a restaurant, offering delectable cuisine paired perfectly with their wines.

6. Fino Valley Wines, Henderson Valley

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, Closed Sunday
• Address: 283 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612
• Web: http://www.finovalley.com/

Another one of Auckland’s boutique vineyards is located in the Henderson Valley.

Fino Valley Wines is a family-owned winery that carries over 100 years of winemaking tradition and history, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

At Fino Valley Wines, you can indulge in a variety of New Zealand wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Rieslings, Merlot, Malbec, Moscato, Cabernet, Port, Sherry, Liqueurs, and even Blueberry Wine.

Their diverse selection ensures there’s something to suit every palate.

7. Matakana Winery

Located an hour’s drive north of Auckland is Matakana Estate Winery,

This region is home to several boutique wineries, but Matakana Winery is by far one of the most prestigious.

It boasts a diverse range of wines. The vineyards here grow a variety of grape varietals, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, and more.

Each wine is crafted with care to showcase the unique flavors and characteristics of the Matakana region.

8. Babich Wines

• Hours: 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, Closed Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 15 Babich Road, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612
• Web: http://www.babichwines.com/

If you don’t want to venture far from the city center, Babich Wines is located in the city of Auckland and is one of the most accessible vineyards.

Babich Wines is the oldest family-owned winemaking company in the country and a leading NZ wine brand.

With a rich history dating back to 1912 when Croatian migrant Josip Babich planted the first vines from Croatia in Henderson Valley, Babich Wines was born.

The winery produces a diverse selection of varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more.

Known for their commitment to sustainability, Babich Wines also offers vegan wines, which is unique to this winery.

9. Brick Bay Wines

• Hours: 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 0982
• Web: http://www.brickbay.co.nz/

Brick Bay Wines is renowned for its boutique wines and captivating Sculpture Trail.

As you walk through their Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, you can marvel at an open-air gallery featuring over 60 large sculptures.

The stunning native landscape provides a serene backdrop as you explore the art and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Brick Bay Wines is also known for producing a range of boutique wines, including their famed Brick Bay Pharos, known for its exceptional fruit quality, velvety finish, and tight structure.

Wine enthusiasts can sample these exquisite wines while enjoying all-day dining at the spectacular Glass House.

10. Soljans Estate Winery

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: 366 State Highway 16, Kumeū 0892
• Web: http://www.soljans.co.nz/

Soljans Estate Winery, also located in Kumeu Wine Country, is a family-owned winery dating back to 1937.

Explore their stunning vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in wine tastings, or visit the bistro where you can enjoy delicious meals paired with their exceptional wines.

Soljans Estate Winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, and Syrah.

Their award-winning wines are known for their quality and distinctive flavors, reflecting the unique terroir of the Kumeu region.

11. Hallertau Brewery, Auckland

• Hours: 11.00am – Midnight daily
• Address: 1171 CoatesvilleRiverhead Hwy, Riverhead, Auckland
• Web: www.hallertau.co.nz

Although not a winery, we have to include the Hallertau Brewery to showcase just how diverse New Zealand’s brewing scene is!

We became major fans of micro-breweries whilst living in the US as they have so many great ones. You are usually guaranteed a flavourful beer.

The Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant, a New Zealand first, is the brainchild of beer maker Steve Plowman. 

Nestled in the greenery of Riverhead, only a twenty minute drive from the city, Hallertau did not let us down with its combination of brewing and epicurean lifestyle we were able to sit back and enjoy for a couple of hours.

It was worth the drive just for the fresh and bright decor of the brewery itself, the orange and golden hues a perfect complement to the ales and lagers we sampled.

We started with a beer sampling tray before our meal, before choosing our favourites to enjoy a pint of with a delicious lunch.

Hallertau prides themselves on the fact that they make their beer with their hands and only use yeast, rainwater and fistfuls of hops. There’s nothing we like more than beer that is pure of full of natural goodness.

They were all very good and it was difficult to choose just one. I went for the Hallertau Copper Tart- I love me a red ale – while craig enjoyed the Scwarzbier (black beer)

The food on the menu at Hallertau is fresh and full of natural flavours. They often use fruit and veg from their own kitchen garden as much as they can.

They bake their own bread and make their own sauces. Eggs are laid by their own free roaming brewery chickens.

For lunch Craig enjoyed a roast pumpkin risotto and I chose grilled salmon with mozerella, caramelized onions, and tomatoes…

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s wineries offer a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, world-class wines, and warm hospitality.

Auckland is one of the top producing wine regions and has a unique blend of grape varieties, allowing you to sample different variations of wines and find your new favorite.

There can be no doubts that a visit to a winery is an unmissable experience in Auckland.

We hope this guide helped you pick a winery to choose on your New Zealand trip and gave you some insight into the country’s vibrant wine culture. Here are some other ideas for things to do on the North Island, other awesome places to visit in New Zealand, experiencing Auckland’s SkyWalk, and the nearby thermal pools in Rotorua.