Wine Regions
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Cable Bay Winery, Waiheke Island BELOW: Grape vine © Getty Images
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Auckland is home to three wine regions, all promising exquisite wines and gorgeous views.
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In West Auckland, Kumeū is Auckland’s oldest wine region, dating back to the 1930s. You’ll find some of the best-known names in New Zealand wines such as Soljans Estate Winery, Coopers Creek Vineyard, Westbrook Winery and The Hunting Lodge Winery & Restaurant, as well as smaller boutique producers.
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Matakana is a beautiful spot one hours’ drive north of central Auckland. Many producers focus on red varieties such as merlot and cabernet sauvignon, but it’s known for whites, too. Wine is complemented by art, and at Brick Bay Wines the two collide: there is both a boutique vineyard and a sculpture trail.
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Waiheke Island is a self-contained bubble of viticulture just 40 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Many wineries produce a worldrenowned range of reds and whites.
EXTRA SPECIAL EXPERIENCES 1. The Tasting Room at Villa Maria Estate in Māngere. Limited to 10 guests; enjoy the vineyard’s best drops with small plates and platters to complement the wine. 2. Vineyard Cottages in Kumeū offer overnight stays nestled amidst the vines. 3. Grab a spot by the outdoor stone fireplace at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant on Waiheke Island, or beside the indoor hearth at Tantalus Estate.
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