Auckland
This large and very diverse region is home to some of New Zealand’s biggest wine companies, as well as numerous high-quality boutique vineyards, offering something for every palate.
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Characteristics
About the region
A large, important and very diverse region, home to New Zealands biggest wine companies and tiny boutique vineyards, both of which produce some of its finest wines.
Spread across a large, geographically diverse area, the Auckland wine region encompasses the distinctive vineyard island of Waiheke, the historic West Auckland subregions of Kumeu, Huapai and Waimauku, and stretches north to the coastal enclave of Matakana, and south to Clevedons rolling hills. Award-winning Gewurztraminer is even crafted next to Auckland International Airport.
These areas were established in the early 1900s by Croatian, Lebanese and English winemakers whose legacy and names endure today; Babich, Brajkovich, Corbans, Delegats, and Nobilo to name just a few. While Aucklands current acreage is considerably smaller, magnitude remains in its collective experience, with presence of significant wine companies and not least, exciting, high quality wines over its length and breadth.
Whilst difficult to generalise across such varied terroirs, the subregions are united by a few common factors; volcanic, clay-rich soils, a temperate maritime climate and significantly, proximity to New Zealands largest, most economically important city.
Home to powerful, intense reds – Red blends in the north and
on Waiheke Island (which also has thrilling Syrah) – plus world class Chardonnay and fine Aromatics, the modern Auckland wine industry continues to shine.
