The Top 14 Waiheke Wineries That Make You Feel like a Millionaire
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: March 2024 My friends often joke that I could map out the world in wine stains… and they’re not entirely wrong.
From the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the rustic cellars of Tuscany, my love for wine has taken me on countless adventures. Yet, there’s one place that has captured my heart like no other recently: Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island is home to an array of world-class wineries that are a must-visit for any oenophile. And I’m not about gatekeeping, so I’ll share with you the best wineries on Waiheke Island where I found the perfect glass of wine and so can you.
1. Mudbrick
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Prices:
- Light Tasting – 22 NZD pp
- Cellar Tasting – 25 NZD pp
- Flagship Tasting – 45 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 9050
Mudbrick Vineyard is a haven for wine lovers, where liquid poetry awaits in every bottle. And what better way to experience their wine than through their diverse tasting experiences?
Their light taste (for casual sippers) is like a first kiss under a sunset—sweet, simple, and bursting with potential. Swirl and sip a crisp sauvignon blanc, let a vibrant rose dance on your tongue, and discover the hidden depths of their smooth merlot.
The cellar tasting takes you behind the scenes, delving into the heart of Mudbrick’s artistry. With this tasting, you’ll savour five premium wines, each hand-picked by the cellar master to showcase Mudbrick’s diverse wine portfolio.
Reserve your grandest palate for the flagship tasting—a once-in-a-while extravaganza reserved for true connoisseurs.
Pro Tip: Pair your wine tasting with a meal at Mudbrick’s renowned restaurant. And keep in mind that groups of eight people or less don’t need to make bookings in advance!
2. Man O War
Address: 725 Man O War Bay Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Prices: 50 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 9678
Man O’ War Vineyard boasts New Zealand’s only beachfront tasting room. Before you even taste your first drop of wine, you’ll already be under Man O’ War’s spell.
The tasting itself is an education as knowledgeable guides walk you through a selection of Man O’ War’s finest offerings.
Their sauvignon blanc bursts with vibrant notes of citrous and passionfruit. Their chardonnay whispers of buttery oak and minerality, and their syrah is a full-bodied ode to spice and dark berries.
Man O’ War also has private tastings available for team-building events and corporate client events.
Pro Tip: Explore the estate on an e-mountain bike tour, weaving through verdant vineyards, and stopping for breathtaking photo ops.
3. Stonyridge Vineyard
Address: 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
Price:
- Standard Wine Tasting – 20 NZD
- Premium Wine Tasting – 35 NZD
Phone: +64 9 372 8822
Stonyridge isn’t afraid to stray from the typical Kiwi sauvignon blanc. Their passion lies in crafting world-renowned cabernet blends.
Their flagship has garnered international acclaim, been showered with awards, and been praised for its complexity and elegance. Stony Ridge prioritises the complete experience, offering a range of activities to tantalise your senses.
Indulge in guided tastings led by passionate wine makers, explore the picturesque grounds, or even picnic amongst the vines, soaking in the panama views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Pro Tip: They offer private tasting experiences for small and large groups of over 10 people.
4. Wild Estate Vineyard
Address: 82 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Casual Tastings – 20 NZD pp
- Hosted Tasting Tour – 25 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 3434
Wild Estate produces a variety of red, white, and rose wines, all made with grapes grown right on the property. Their wines have won numerous awards, and they’re known for their bold flavours and unique blends.
If you’re just itching to get your hands on a glass of wine, there are two different tasting options available at Wild Estate. The casual tasting tour is a great way to try a variety of wines at your own place.
On the other hand, the hosted tasting tour is a more in-depth experience that includes a tour of the vineyard and winery.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the restaurant!
5. Goldie Estate
Address: 18 Causeway Road, Surfdale, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 4 PM
Phone: +64 9 372 7493
Goldie Estate is practically synonymous with Waiheke wines. They craft character wines, meticulously tailored to express the unique terroir of Waiheke.
From the minerality of their chardonnay to the bold fruitiness of their syrah, each bottle of wine produced here has a distinctive personality.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with friends or a sophisticated event, you can count on Goldie Estate having stunning venues and personalised wine tastings to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Pro Tip: They host various pop-up events throughout the summer and pop-up wine bars that are not to be missed!
6. Passage Rock Winery
Address: 438 Orapiu Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +64 9 372 7257
Passage Rock Winery consistently rakes in awards and accolades for its exquisite wines and breathtaking location. Their piece de résistance? Their syrah—each sip is an explosion of ripe blackberry and plum, enveloped in subtle oaky notes.
But Passage Rock’s repertoire extends far beyond just Syrah. They cultivate over 14 grape varieties. From the crisp sauvignon blancs to the robust cabernet merlots, every bottle is a testament to the winery’s winemaking practices.
Pro Tip: Their expansive deck boasts panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf—the perfect backdrop for savouring a glass of their finest.
7. Poderi Crisci Vineyard
Address: 205 Awaawaroa Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Prices:
- Four Wine Flight – 20 NZD pp
- Six Wine Flight – 25 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 2148
In Poderi Crisci’s wines, you can taste the passion of generations-old Italian winemaking traditions. Your introduction to their wines starts with their La Loca tasting experience.
You can choose from a four-win flight or six wines. Each wine flight is paired with small bites to complement the taste of each wine you try.
Pro Tip: Have dinner at their restaurant after your wine tasting!
8. Awaroa Organic Vineyard
Address: 324 Waiheke Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 22 450 7613
At Awaroa, when it comes to their wine, sustainability reigns supreme. Organic practices mean plump grapes bursting with character, free from chemical interference.
So it’s no wonder that the first sip of an Awaroa red is like a dream. Rich, complex, and bursting with ripe fruit, it has merlot-dominant bordeaux blends.
Not sure what to try? Savour the Waiheke roadhouse blend—it’s a powerhouse of black and spice. Or lose yourself in the creamy elegance of their chardonnay.
Pro Tip: Join Awaroa’s club to receive four of their wine tasting packages each year.
9. Obsidian Winery
Address: 22 Te Makiri Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 9 372 6100
Obsidian delves into the realm of the extraordinary, crafting exquisite wines that capture your soul. Their montepulciano, tempranillo, and syrah are distinct and memorable, while their chardonnay and viognier shimmer with a touch of coastal magic.
If you decide to go wine tasting here, you won’t be stuck in some stuffy tasting room. At Obsidian, the wine tasting stage is under a rustic pergola, or step inside the original vineyard shed, where the walls whisper stories of harvests past.
Pro Tip: Obsidian offers a wine club for those who want bottles of wine consistently delivered to their home. The ‘friend of obsidian’ consists of three bottles per shipment, and the ‘obsidiando’ gives you a generous half dozen wine bottles.
10. Kennedy Point Vineyard
Address: 44 Donald Bruce Road, Surfdale, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Thursday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Phone: +64 9 372 5600
Nestled amongst ancient Pohutukawa trees overlooking Kennedy Bay, their certified organic vineyard thrives on gentle care and respect for the land. It’s this dedication to sustainable practices that translates into wines bursting with honest and expressive character.
Swirl a glass of their award-winning syrah—the undisputed star—while gazing at the sparkling expanse of the gulf.
Their chardonnay and cabernet are no less captivating. Add in a cheese platter, and the afternoon goes by in a blissful daze.
Pro Tip: If you want to stick around in the area, you can stay at the Kennedy Point Hilltop House or the Kennedy Point Guesthouse.
11. Te Motu
Address: 76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Auckland 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 9 372 6884
Te Motu Vineyard shines with brilliance unmatched, earning its reputation as one of the island’s finest wine destinations. Te Motu’s flagship blend is a cabernet sauvignon marvel, lauded for its elegance, complexity, and ageing potential.
Here, the unique soil composition, coupled with the maritime climate, infuses Te Motu’s wines with a distinctive character—vibrant fruit notes and a subtle earthy complexity.
Pro Tip: Check out Te Motu’s olive groves. Check out Te Motu’s olive groves. Nestled behind the winery, a grove of olive trees flourishes. During harvest season (usually around May or June), you can join their olive picking.
12. Casita Miro
Address: 3 Brown Road, Waiheke, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Prices:
- Flight of 5 – 20 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 7854
Casita Miro is a name synonymous with exquisite Spanish cuisine, award-winning wines, and breathtaking vistas. Their pinot gris 2022 is pale as moonlight and scented with aromas of pear and honeysuckle. Crisp and elegant.
For my money, though, their Miro 2019 is the crown jewel of their wine portfolio—blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of tobacco—a complex and nuanced wine.
Pro Tip: Try their exclusive sherry tastings! You won’t regret it.
13. Batch Winery
Address: 129 Carsons Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Estate Tasting – 15 NZD pp
- Legacy Tasting – 25 NZD pp
- Barrel Tasting – 75 NZD pp
Phone: +64 9 372 3223
Unlike most wineries on Waiheke, Batch has two distinct estates.
The first, Thomas Vineyard, sits perched on steep north-facing slopes, embracing chardonnay vines alongside pockets of syrah and pinot gris. The second, Margaret Reeve Lane Vineyard, presents different syrah and bordeaux varieties.
Whether it’s a crisp legacy chardonnay, the sun-drenched elegance of the gimblett gravels syrah, or the playful exuberance of their rosé, each sip of the wine produced at Batch Winery reflects the meticulous care and dedication poured into every stage of their process.
Pro Tip: For true wine enthusiasts, the legacy wine club offers exclusive access to their limited release wine collections. You also get access to private events, and pre-releases.
14. Tantalus Estate
Address: 70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Wine-Tasting Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Estate Tasting – 20 NZD pp
- Reserve Tasting – 30 NZD
- Exclusive Tasting – 50 NZD
Phone: +64 9 372 2625
The soul of Tantalus Estate lies in its meticulously crafted wines. Their estate tasting offers a delightful introduction, featuring their current pinot gris, rosé, and merlot/cabernet-franc.
For the truly adventurous, do the reserve tasting, which showcases their flagship range—cachette reserve chardonnay, voile reserve syrah, and the intriguing blends of Evoque and ecluse.
And for a touch of bubbly elegance, don’t miss out on their exclusive tasting, which opens with a flute of their own tantalus methode traditionnelle.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the alibi beer paddle—a quartet of seasonal brews.
