The Auckland region is home to New Zealand’s three largest wine producers each having state of the art winemaking equipment and modern blending and bottling facilities.

The main supply of grapes, partially processed wine and finished wine comes from the large volume production areas of Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. There is huge local demand for cellar door purchases and you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of wines offered. It is possible to buy wines in Auckland wineries that have originated from every growing area in the country.

The region’s dozen boutique wineries are mainly located in the South Auckland area, with one group in Drury and others in Clevedon and Papakura. Clevedon is the most recent premium wine growing area to be developed, with small pockets of vines planted in sheltered valleys. Look out for the wonderfully fragrant and excitingly exotic Verona-style Italian wines that have been introduced to this area.

New Zealand’s largest wine producer has its headquarters in Glen Innes and the second largest is located in East Tamaki. A Mangere company is New Zealand’s leading award winner, focusing on producing premium wines of outstanding quality. It’s main wine styles are the core ‘Private Bin’ ranges of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet/Merlot. All the large producers of wine are involved in exporting and some 40% of our total wine harvest of 120,000 tonnes is sent overseas. The demand in the U.S. and European markets increases year by year as the quality improves.

Following the Auckland wine trail can produce some surprising contrasts. From the nationwide selections offered by the city-based winemakers to the fascinating boutique Bordeaux-style red wines produced in the countryside.

The ‘City of Sails’ is the perfect place for you to make some boutique wine discoveries as well as sample the complete range of New Zealand wines.