Spread across a large, geographically diverse area, the Auckland wine region encompasses three distinctive subregions, the island of Waiheke, historic West Auckland, and stretches north to the coastal enclave of Matakana. Each has a distinct climate, soil type, and wine style.

Waiheke Island - ‘The Island of Wine’- is the most prestigious wine sub-region, known for Bordeaux-style reds and Syrah. With warm temperatures, long sunshine hours, and free-draining soils, this island produces rich, structured, and elegant wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah dominate, offering flavours of dark berries, spice, and earthy complexity.

By contrast, Kumeū could be considered as the Chardonnay capital. Many of New Zealand’s oldest wine families still work here. Located northwest of Auckland city, it has a cool maritime climate with clay-rich soils, making it ideal for Merlot, and particularly Chardonnay, which is internationally recognised.

Matakana, an hour north of Auckland, is a small but highly diverse sub-region. With rolling hills and volcanic soils, it produces full-bodied reds such as Syrah, Cabernet blends, and Italian varieties like Sangiovese and Montepulciano. It also excels in aromatic whites such as Pinot Gris and Viognier.