Auckland & Surrounds
Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city with a fantastic diversity of sub-regions, climates and physical landscapes. Auckland & it’s surrounding areas have given us some truly remarkable, world-class Chardonnays (think Kumeu River), to some of the country’s best Bordeaux varieties from the beautiful Waiheke Island. Matakana, just north of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s newest wine regions and starting to produce some very promising reds, Pinot Gris & Chardonnay – a region to watch in the future.
Terroir
Waiheke Island
A stunning part of Auckland and home to some of NZ's most exclusive and expensive red wines, many with price tags of greater than $100. Waiheke Island’s climate is primarily influenced by the ocean. Situated in the Hauraki Gulf to the east of Auckland, the island is partially protected from the prevailing colder/wetter west and southwest winds, making it both drier and warmer than the Auckland isthmus. The sea acts as both a fan and an insulator. Sea breezes moderate rising temperatures in mid-summer. The ocean moderates falling temperatures at night. In simple terms, this means that mean temperatures during the growing season are comparable to much ‘hotter’ regions but without the extremes and, critically, these moderate temperatures extend longer into the early autumn ripening period of March and April, allowing later varieties to ripen fully over an extended period.
Kumeu/West Auckland
Croatian settlers started Auckland's wine industry out west in the mid-1900's and many remain today. Indeed, they are th foundation fo many of NZ's biggest and longest-standing wine companies. West Auckland provides many challenges for wine growing due to the high rainfall, but it's warmth is it's biggest asset. Chardonnay is arguably the most successful Auckland variety, demonstrated by the world-class wines made my Kumeu River.
Matakana
Matakana is a small New Zealand town situated approximately one hour's drive north of Auckland. Premium wines have been produced in the area for some time and there are several new vineyards being developed. Almost all the vineyards are on slopes, which helps to drain the clay soils. Traditionally a red wine growing region there are now some outstanding white wines - especially Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. However the classic red varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah are showing promise.
Auckland Wine Events
Devonport Wine & Food Festival
February 2010
Since its inception in 1990 the festival has entertained and hosted over 200,000 people and raised almost $2 million for charity. Now in its 20th year the festival is the highlight of the Auckland wine festival calendar, and a must-do event for Aucklanders.
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Key Facts
Represents just 4% of NZ's wine production
Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon the two most common varieties
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Vintage Reports
Not Available.
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