The Auckland region is New Zealand’s biggest wine region. As well as producing large quantities of wine, it produces excellent quality wines, particularly whites.
The Auckland region is New Zealand’s biggest wine region. As well as producing large quantities of wine, it produces excellent quality wines, particularly whites. It is mainly located around the city of Auckland and stretches across the “Hauraki Gulf” – an arm of the sea which separates the North Island from many offshore islands (including Waiheke Island). Auckland city itself has one large winery and several boutique wineries within its boundaries, but the majority are located in rural enclaves around the city.
Pinot noir and chardonnay are the leading grape varieties in the Auckland region. However, syrah and sauvignon blanc are also grown here.
The Auckland region is situated in the upper North Island and covers approximately one million acres. This area receives abundant rainfall with an average of about 44 inches per year. The climate is relatively warm, with the average summer temperature being 68°F.
Pinot noir and chardonnay are by far the leading grape varieties grown in this region, however syrah and sauvignon blanc also perform well here. The north of the region is ideal for pinot noir because it’s cooler there. In contrast, chardonnay thrives in the southern zone which enjoys a warmer microclimate.
The two main appellations in the Auckland region are the Kumeu River and Matakana appellations.
There are two main appellations in the Auckland region: Kumeu River and Matakana.
The Matakana appellation is located north of Auckland, only an hour’s drive from the city. The area is home to some smaller boutique wineries, which are perfect for a day outing or exploring on your way to another destination. On our trip, we decided to skip this area due to time constraints, but I have heard great things about it!
The Kumeu River appellation is located west of Auckland (see map above). It was one of my long time wine fantasies to visit this region. And let me tell you – it did not disappoint!
Old Vines Matakana (or OVM) is a famous wine from the Auckland region. It is a semillon that took out the gold medal at London’s International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Old Vines Matakana (or OVM) is a famous wine from the Auckland region. It is a semillon that took out the gold medal at London’s International Wine & Spirit Competition. The winemaker, Peter Cowley, handpicks all grapes for the OVM and ages it in French oak barrels before bottling it in a distinctive black bottle with a gold label. The blend of semillon, chardonnay and pinot gris produces a classic dry white with tropical flavors and hints of citrus.
The Auckland region has an oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters with lots of rainfall. This makes it one of the cooler New Zealand regions for growing grapes.
The Auckland region has an oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters with lots of rainfall. This makes it one of the cooler New Zealand regions for growing grapes.
Because the temperatures are more moderate here, you can expect to see a lot of fruitiness in the wines produced by this region. The soil is also very fertile because of the high quantities of rainfall in this area.
This region has a few other unique factors that affect its climate, including higher atmospheric pressure than other wine regions and cold winds that come off the ocean when they move down from Alaska.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest wine region and produces large quantities of white wines, particularly chardonnay.
As the largest wine region in New Zealand, Auckland is known for its chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Other popular varieties include syrah, merlot and pinot noir.
Auckland is a cool climate area with maritime influences. The region’s sub-regions all have distinctly different terroirs and wine styles.