A tiny island located 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland may not be the most obvious destination for a luxurious day of wine tasting, but New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is a viticultural epicenter. According to the Waiheke Winegrowers Association, the representative body for the island’s 30 grape growers and winemakers, the ‘Island of Wine’ attracts approximately 800,000 visitors a year. Vineyards graciously open their cellar and restaurant doors to wine enthusiasts, who are welcome to visit at their leisure. However, a wine tour is a convenient, informative, economical, and entertaining way of sampling the best of Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island Grape Varieties
Growing conditions on Waiheke Island are most often compared to those of France’s famous Bordeaux region, as well as New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay, Australia’s Coonawarra region, and California’s Napa Valley. However, the close proximity of the ocean to the vineyards significantly influences the climate, and a wider range of grape varieties can be grown on Waiheke Island than in similar regions.
Waiheke Island is perhaps best known for its red wines, particularly Syrah. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet blends are also popular. Local winemakers have also had success with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and, to a lesser degree, Pinot Gris. Many Waiheke vineyards own a second site in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine producing region, which is recognized worldwide for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Waiheke Island Vineyards
The Goldwater Estate pioneered wine production on Waiheke Island in 1978. Today, the island has a total planted area of just 216 hectares divided among 30 growers. Thus, Waiheke Island winemakers proudly emphasize their dedication to quality over quantity. These hospitable boutique vineyards practice organic viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, often unapologetically emulating French methods. This dedication to growing great grapes and producing great wines is reflected in retail prices – expect to pay at least NZD$23 for the least expensive vintages. Most vineyards offer estate tours and wine tastings for a fee (NZD$2-10/glass).
Waiheke Island Wine Tours
With so many wonderful vineyards to choose from, it is difficult to know where to start. That’s why for the uninitiated, a guided wine tour provides an excellent introduction to the Waiheke Island wine culture. Tours give visitors the chance to experience a number of vineyards and varieties. They also share fascinating facts about the wine production process, as well as insight into the history, status, and future of the local winemaking scene.
There are a number of companies that operate tours, including Fullers, the ferry company. During the Taste of Waiheke tour, a knowledgeable driver shuttles groups between the island’s finest olive groves and three of the top vineyards (such as Stonyridge, whose Larose Cabernet is widely regarded as New Zealand's best red wine; Mudbrick, whose fabulous restaurant and incredible view of downtown Auckland makes it an ideal wedding venue; and Topknot Hill and Waiheke Island Brewery, whose tastings extend to locally made beer, preserves, and spreads).
The price of the tour (NZD$115) includes roundtrip ferry passage, a light lunch, an all-day bus pass (to be used following the tour), and multiple tastings at each of the locales. It’s a good idea to bring extra money though - additional tastings, bottles of wine, and other products available exclusively on the island are available for purchase. With transportation arranged and the itinerary predetermined, tour participants need only concern themselves with eating, drinking, and being merry.
Amy Goldstein - Amy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but her current hometown is Wellington, New Zealand. After earning a B.A. in Economics and ...
