Located just 30 minutes from Auckland Central, the West Auckland Wine Region has something for everyone. To get there from Auckland City head west on State Highway 16 towards Whenuapai. Refer to our trip planner for individual addresses.
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Pinot Gris is typically light-bodied with a pale straw colour. The wine is characterised by aromas of ripe pear, apple, and citrus, with a hint of spice. On the palate, Pinot Gris from New Zealand is known for its fruity flavours, including notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and honey.
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is widely renowned for its crisp, zesty, and intensely aromatic qualities. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of foods, from seafood and salads to spicy dishes and cheeses. Its refreshing acidity makes it an ideal wine to enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to a meal.
Chardonnay from New Zealand is typically known for its bright and refreshing flavours. The grapes are often produced in cooler climates, such as in the regions of Marlborough and Hawke's Bay, which allows for slower ripening and greater flavour development. This results in wines that have a good balance of acidity and fruitiness, as well as a distinctive minerality.
New Zealand rosé is typically made using the saignée method, which involves "bleeding" off a small amount of juice from the red grapes after they have been crushed and allowing it to ferment separately as a rosé. This method results in a wine that is lighter in colour and body than a typical red wine, with less tannin and a greater emphasis on fruit flavours.
New Zealand Riesling is a white wine that is made from the Riesling grape variety, which is known for its high acidity and aromas of citrus and stone fruit. New Zealand's cool climate and diverse terroirs allow for a range of styles of Riesling to be produced, from bone-dry to sweet, with varying levels of acidity and fruitiness. The country's Rieslings are typically marked by their vibrant fruit flavours, with notes of lime, lemon, green apple, peach, and apricot being common.
Albariño is a white wine varietal that is known for its crisp acidity, refreshing minerality, and aromatic qualities. The wine typically has a pale straw colour and a light to medium body. In terms of aromas and flavours, Albariño can be quite diverse, but common notes include citrus, peach, apricot, and mineral undertones.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that originated in Bordeaux, France, but is now grown worldwide. In New Zealand, Cabernet Sauvignon is often characterised by bold flavours of black currant, cedar, and sometimes hints of tobacco and green bell pepper. It is typically a full-bodied wine with high tannins and can age well.
Malbec is a red wine that originated in southwestern France but has found a new home in Argentina and other parts of the world, including New Zealand. New Zealand Malbecs typically have notes of blackberry, plum, and chocolate, sometimes with smoky or spicy undertones. They are usually medium-bodied and have moderate tannins.
Merlot is a red wine that originated in Bordeaux, France and is now grown worldwide. In New Zealand, Merlot is often characterised by flavours of black cherry, plum, and sometimes chocolate or coffee. It is typically a medium-bodied wine with moderate tannins.
Merlot Cabernet Franc is a blend of two red wine grape varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The resulting wine can vary in style, but typically has flavuors of black cherry, black currant, and sometimes a hint of green pepper. It is usually a medium-bodied wine with moderate tannins.
Pinot Noir is a red wine that is often associated with the Burgundy region of France, but is now grown in many parts of the world, including New Zealand. New Zealand Pinot Noirs typically have a lighter body than many other reds, often with flavours of cherry, raspberry, and sometimes earthy or floral notes. They are known for their acidity and can age well.
Syrah is known for its bold and complex flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and often notes of black pepper and smoked meat. It typically has a full body and high tannins, making it a perfect wine to pair with hearty dishes such as grilled meats or stews. New Zealand Syrah can also age well and develop even more complex flavours over time.
Vintara Red is a blend of red wine grapes that is made in New Zealand. The specific grapes used in the blend can vary, but typically include varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. This results in a complex and balanced wine that can have a range of flavours and aromas, depending on the specific blend. Some common flavours in Vintara Red include blackberry, cherry, and vanilla, with a medium to full body and moderate tannins.
Montepulciano is often used to make medium to full-bodied red wines with flavours of dark fruit, black cherry, and spice. These wines typically have moderate tannins and a good acidity, making them a good pairing with hearty meat dishes, pasta, and strong cheeses. Montepulciano wines can vary depending on the winemaker and the specific growing conditions, but are generally known for their richness and depth of flavour.
Arneis is a white wine varietal that is originally from the Piedmont region of Italy. Arneis is known for its light to medium body and delicate aromatics. The wine typically has a pale straw color with greenish tinges and offers aromas of white peach, apricot, and almond. Arneis is also characterised by its crisp acidity, refreshing minerality, and subtle bitterness on the finish. While Arneis is still a relatively unknown grape in New Zealand, it is gaining popularity for its unique flavour profile and refreshing qualities.
Marsanne is a white wine grape variety that is grown in various wine regions. While not as widely planted as some other white grape varieties. Marsanne wines are known for their rich, full-bodied character and complex flavour profile, making them an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts looking to explore new and interesting white wine varietals.
Viognier is known for its unique flavour profile that often includes notes of apricot, peach, and honey, as well as floral aromas. New Zealand Viogniers are no exception and can offer a fresh take on this classic grape variety. Viognier is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, from spicy Thai dishes to lighter seafood options. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif.
Made from late-harvested grapes dessert wines are known for their concentrated flavours and sugars, ranging from mildly sweet to very sweet with notes of honey, caramel, dried fruits, and spices. They pair perfectly with desserts, balancing out their sweetness and enhancing their flavours.
Cabernet Merlot is a popular wine blend from New Zealand, typically made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The wine often has a deep ruby colour and a complex aroma that can include blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, and vanilla notes. On the palate, Cabernet Merlot from New Zealand is known for its firm tannins, full body, and well-balanced acidity. It offers a rich, fruit-forward flavour profile with hints of spice and chocolate, which can vary depending on the winemaker's style and the climate where the grapes were grown.
Lagrein is a red wine grape variety that is native to the northern regions of Italy. While it is not widely planted in New Zealand, there are some wineries that produce this unique wine. Lagrein from New Zealand typically has a deep ruby colour with purple hues and a medium to full body. On the nose, it has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with hints of spice and chocolate. On the palate, Lagrein is known for its high acidity and firm tannins, which give the wine structure and balance.
Merlot Malbec is a red wine blend that typically combines the soft, fruity flavours of Merlot with the bold, tannic character of Malbec. While New Zealand is not known for producing large quantities of this blend, there are some notable examples that showcase the country's unique terroir. In New Zealand, Merlot Malbec wines often exhibit a bright, fruit-forward profile with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry. These flavours are typically balanced by a moderate level of tannins and acidity, which provide structure and depth to the wine.
Crémant is a type of sparkling wine that is produced using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) of secondary fermentation in the bottle. While Crémant is typically associated with France, it can also be produced in other countries using the same method and grape varieties.
Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc is a type of sparkling wine using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. This method is similar to the one used to produce Champagne in France, and it involves adding a mixture of yeast and sugar to the base wine, which is then bottled and allowed to undergo a secondary fermentation. Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc from New Zealand is known for its crisp acidity, bright fruit flavours, and fine bubbles. It is typically light and refreshing, with a dry finish that makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of foods, including seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes.
"Blanc de Blancs" is a French term meaning "white from whites," and it refers to a sparkling wine made entirely from white grapes. Blanc de Blancs is typically made from Chardonnay grapes, although some other white grape varieties can also be used.
Cabernet Franc Merlot is a popular blend of two red grape varieties, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The blend typically features a higher proportion of Merlot grapes, which are known for their softness and approachability, with Cabernet Franc adding structure and complexity. New Zealand's Cabernet Franc Merlot wines are often medium-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture and flavours of black fruit, such as black cherry and blackberry, as well as notes of spice and tobacco. The wine also often has a good acidity level, which helps to balance the fruitiness.
