Waiheke is known for its high-quality red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Around 30 boutique wineries are dotted across the island, many offering tasting rooms, stylish restaurants, and breathtaking views.
Sunshine, sea breezes, and rolling hills define one of the world’s most exclusive wine-growing regions. Waiheke produces wines with intense varietal character and the freshness and purity that come from a pristine environment. There is nowhere else in the world quite like Waiheke Island. Discover its beauty through its wines.
Waiheke’s current reputation is a far cry from its first flirtation with the grape. In the 1950s, the Gradiska family produced what Kim Goldwater later described as a “fairly ferocious fortified brew” from hybrid vines in Ostend.
The Goldwaters were the first to introduce Vitis vinifera, planting their initial vines on Waiheke in 1977 and moving permanently to the island in 1983. They were followed by Stephen White at Stonyridge in 1982 and the Hamiltons at Peninsula Estate in 1984. Soon after, the Dunleavy family established Te Motu Vineyard, and Barry and Meg Fenton set up Fenton Estate.
Improved ferry services from Auckland significantly impacted Waiheke’s economy, boosting tourism and encouraging the development of vineyard cellar doors and on-site restaurants such as Mudbrick and Stonyridge.
Cabernet blends remained the flagbearers for Waiheke well into the 1990s, even as the number of vineyards rapidly increased. This growth led to the formation of the Waiheke Winegrowers Association Inc. A surge in new plantings reflected the desire among winegrowers to diversify their cellar door offerings and respond to a shift in consumer tastes away from Bordeaux-style reds.
Throughout the late 1990s, experimentation with new grape varieties and clones was underway. Syrah emerged as a strong contender, first planted by the now-closed Peninsula Estate, and later by Mudbrick and Passage Rock. Notable early success came from David Evans of Passage Rock Wines, who began harvesting Syrah at his Te Matuku Valley property. His wines consistently earned Gold Medals and Trophies in national competitions, confirming the island’s suitability for this classic Rhône Valley variety.
Many producers soon followed, with some shifting away from Cabernet Sauvignon, either partially or entirely. In 2003, Hay Paddock Wines established a single-varietal Syrah vineyard in the Onetangi Valley, while others converted existing plantings to Syrah.
Today, winegrowing and wine tourism are the principal drivers of the island’s economy. Most of Waiheke’s vineyards have cellar doors open year-round, though some operate only during the summer months. We recommend calling ahead to confirm opening hours or to book a private tasting.
Many vineyards also offer excellent food at their on-site cafés or restaurants, and venues such as Mudbrick and Cable Bay have become sought-after wedding destinations. Te Whau, Poderi Crisci, Casita Miro, and Te Motu have all been named winners of Metro’s Best NZ Rural Restaurant award.
Founded in 1981 in the Onetangi Valley, Stonyridge is a pioneer of Bordeaux-style reds in New Zealand. It planted the country’s first commercial olive grove in 1982 and introduced New Zealand’s first Bordeaux four-blend the following year.
Stonyridge rose to prominence with the release of Larose in 1987 — a wine hailed as the greatest red ever made in New Zealand. The 2010 Larose scored 97 points, placing it ahead of Australia’s top Cabernet Merlots.
Now internationally recognised, Stonyridge has been named one of the "Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World" by The Guardian and praised for its Cabernet Merlot by The Age/Sydney Morning Herald. The vineyard is also known for its relaxed café, large deli platters, garden cabanas, and the occasional dance party.
Website: stonyridge.com
Nestled on west-facing slopes in central Waiheke and surrounded by native bush, Awaroa is an organic vineyard specialising in Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Small-batch and premium-focused, Awaroa wines are available at most Waiheke wine stores and at Accent on Wine in Parnell.
Visit their Tasting Room at 324 Waiheke Road to sample current releases and enjoy curated tasting platters.
Cellar Door open — check website for current hours.
Website: awaroa.co.nz
Located at the island’s highest vineyard site, Batch offers sweeping views from the Coromandel to the Sky Tower. The on-site restaurant, Thomas’s Bach, provides a relaxed setting for groups large and small.
The Batch wine range includes Flora, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and their popular sparkling wines: Fizz Rosé, Fizz Chardonnay, and Fizz Riesling — all made and bottled on site.
Website: batchwinery.com
Set against stunning coastal views, Cable Bay offers award-winning wines and refined dining. Their Waiheke vineyards, located at the western end of the island, are planted with Pinot Gris, Viognier, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec.
Visit the Cellar Door for tastings, tours, and more — check their website for current opening hours.
Website: cablebay.nz
Renowned for its warm ambiance and Mediterranean flair, Casita Miro is a celebrated vineyard restaurant overlooking the Onetangi Valley. The menu draws inspiration from Spain and the broader Mediterranean, complemented by a curated selection of wines.
Miro Vineyard’s 10-acre Bond Estate produces Pinot Gris, Viognier, Albariño, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. From these, they craft a distinctive range including Rosé, Syrah/Viognier, The Miro, and the popular Madame Rouge.
In addition to tastings of their own wines, Casita Miro offers curated flights of Spanish wines, Sherries, and Brandies for a broader Mediterranean experience.
Check website for current opening hours: casitamiro.co.nz
One of Waiheke’s most iconic wineries, Mudbrick features a Provence-inspired mudbrick restaurant and panoramic 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf.
The vineyard produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah as well as notable Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris. A range of flagship wines showcasing the very best Cabernet, Syrah and Chardonnay the estate can produce represent some of the best examples on the island. Their top wine is called 'Velvet', which describes the mouth feel of this seductive wine.
Onsite there are two restaurants and a cellar door which are open every day of the year. Tastings are available without a booking for groups under 10.
Check the website for up-to-date opening hours and tour options: mudbrick.co.nz
Waiheke Island’s only Cabernet blend specialist and New Zealand’s first fully certified sustainable winery. Destiny Bay’s 2007 Magna Praemia remains the highest-rated New Zealand wine by an international critic, receiving 98/100 from Anthony Dias Blue — and is also the country’s most expensive wine.
The winery is not open to the general public, but private tours and tastings are available for prospective Patron Club members.
Wine can be ordered directly or through local and international retailers — see the website for details.
Website: destinybaywine.com
A small, family-owned vineyard named for the ancient greywacke ridge it sits upon, Jurassic Ridge produces hand-crafted Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris, and Cabernet Franc.
With vines rooted in 155-million-year-old Jurassic rock, every glass reflects a unique geological story. The Cellar Door is open — check the website for current hours.
Website: jurassicridge.co.nz
Certified organic vineyard found on the southwestern side and was established in 1996. Set amongst 300-year-old pohutukawa trees overlooking Waiheke Island’s Kennedy Bay. At our cellar door you can complement your wine tasting experience with delicious local oysters, cheeses and smoked salmon.
It specializes in growing and producing Bordeauxand Syrah wines. The cellar door is the perfect setting to sample our award-winning organic wines, extra virgin olive oil and Kennedy Point honey. Our tasting plate selections are paired with the wines to enhance the entire experience.
Cellar Door open, view their Website for updated opening times, for wine, olive, avocado oil and honey tasting.
Founded as Goldwater Estate in 1978 by pioneering Waiheke winemakers Kim and Jeanette Goldwater, Goldwater Estate was among the first wine making operations on Waiheke. Its awards include being named winery of the year by Wines and Spirits Magazine in 2001.
Nestled among 30 acres of native bush and rolling vineyard overlooking Putiki Bay, the micro-climate provides an ideal terror for wine growing.
Cellar Door and wine tastings open, view their Website for updated opening times.
Website: http://goldieestate.co.nz/
Located at the eastern tip of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War’s vineyards are spread across a rugged 5,000-acre coastal farm, with vines planted on a variety of small, distinct sites.
Getting there is part of the adventure — a scenic drive down a gravel road takes you through native bush and rolling farmland before reaching Waiheke’s only beachfront tasting room.
Enjoy a glass of Valhalla Chardonnay and a tapas platter by the bay, take a swim if the weather allows, or unwind with lawn games like cricket, petanque, skittles, and swingball. Family-friendly and dog-friendly (on leads). Reservations recommended, check website for current opening hours : manowar.co.nz
Established in 1993, Obsidian is a 17-hectare vineyard nestled in an amphitheatre-like setting in Onetangi. The Cellar Door offers a relaxed tasting experience beside wetlands and vines, with alfresco tastings often held under the pergola.
The flagship wine, Obsidian, is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The label “Weeping Sands” reflects the translation of Onetangi.Obsidian also gained acclaim in 2007 with its first release of Montepulciano, winning a gold medal and trophy at the Romeo Bragato National Wine Competition.
Check the website for current opening hours.
Website: obsidian.co.nz
Tucked into a north-facing amphitheatre at the end of a quiet country lane, Poderi Crisci spans 7.7 hectares on one of the island’s oldest geological formations — believed to predate the rest of Waiheke by 30 million years.
This family-owned vineyard and restaurant blends Italian heritage with a passion for traditional winemaking. Merlot vines were first planted in 2000, followed by additional varietals and expansive vegetable gardens. The vineyard was formally founded in 2008, with the restaurant opening in 2010.
Led by Antonio Crisci, the estate offers more than just wine and food — it’s a destination designed to deliver layered, memorable experiences.
Website: podericrisci.co.nz
Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island near Te Matuku Bay, Passage Rock is Waiheke’s most awarded winery for Reserve Syrah.
The vineyard’s first plantings included Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon — varietals that remain central to its portfolio and a number of older vintages are available to drink in and purchase.
At the Cellar Door, guests can enjoy a guided tasting journey led by knowledgeable staff. The vineyard also offers a relaxed dining experience, serving renowned wood-fired pizzas among the vines.
Website: passagerock.co.nz
Located in the heart of Onetangi Valley, Tantalus Estate spans eight hectares of free-draining sandy soils over clay and rock — ideal for crafting complex, age-worthy Bordeaux and Rhône-style reds.
The 5.3-hectare vineyard is complemented by a working winery, state-of-the-art brewery, and a spacious, light-filled restaurant offering seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
Indoor and outdoor dining areas blend seamlessly with the Cellar Door, where guests can enjoy wine and beer tastings while overlooking both the vines and the brewery below.
Situated among several top wineries, Tantalus is part of a walkable and highly rewarding wine trail experience.
Check website for current Cellar Door hours: tantalus.co.nz
Home to Wild Estate Vineyard & Restaurant and Waiheke Island Brewery, Wild on Waiheke offers a laid-back experience with a large outdoor beer garden set among the vines and rolling hills.
Overlooked by Te Putiki O Kahu Hill — an ancient Māori pā site — the venue feels like a hidden retreat, blending nature, history, and hospitality.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including archery, laser clay shooting, pétanque, a sandpit, and giant chess — ideal for families, corporate groups, and day-trippers alike.
The Taste Waiheke room showcases local products such as olive oils, preserves, art, and crafts, alongside wine and beer made on-site.
Website: wildonwaiheke.co.nz
Woodside Hill is a boutique 1-hectare vineyard tucked within native bush near Whakanewha Regional Park. Its sheltered position and isolation from other vineyards help reduce disease pressure and create ideal growing conditions.
Set on steep slopes averaging 20 degrees, the site benefits from excellent drainage, especially in wetter years, resulting in high-quality fruit.
Specialising in Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Woodside Hill combines careful site selection with small-scale, hands-on viticulture.
Website: woodsidehill.co.nz
Te Motu was founded in 1988 by the Dunleavy family, early pioneers of Waiheke winemaking. Their vision: to craft age-worthy Bordeaux-style wines — primarily blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The first vines were planted in 1989, with the inaugural Te Motu vintage released in 1993.
Located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley, the vineyard benefits from Jurassic-age Waipapa Group soils and a unique microclimate ideal for premium reds.
The on-site restaurant offers modern, seasonal dishes using Waiheke-grown produce, much of it harvested from the estate’s own gardens.
At the Cellar Door, visitors can taste rare aged red wines that are seldom available elsewhere.
Check website for current opening hours.
Website: temotu.co.nz
