The Best Wineries, Vineyards And Distilleries On Waiheke Island
Vicki Young
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List NZ
When you're sitting on Waiheke Island sipping a glass of something crisp and cold, or rich and red, it's hard to imagine you're just 40 minutes from Auckland CBD. This little slice of paradise is the perfect local getaway; convenient, beautiful, and packed full of excellent food and drink.
For those visiting Tāmaki Makaurau, no visit is complete without a ferry trip over to Waiheke. Whether it’s just a day trip, or a weekend away—Waiheke Island has over 30 wineries and vineyards, as well as three breweries, and award-winning gin and whisky distilleries. It's safe to say you won't be at risking of going thirsty while you're there.
We've scoured the island, north to south, east to west, seeking out perfect pinots and wonderful whiskies—here are our picks for the best wineries, vineyards, and distilleries on Waiheke Island.
Tantalus Estate
70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Tantalus Estate (Estate Restaurant) | Instagram
Tantalus Estate is a family-owned vineyard in the heart of Onetangi—with 20 acres of vineyards, olive and macadamia groves, beehives and wetlands. They’re known for their exceptional small-batch Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends. Book and choose from a range of cellar door experiences, tasting their estate-grown wines as well as their own craft beer range Alibi Brewing Co., brewed on-site beneath the vines. There’s an option to pair the tasting flights and paddles with additional snacks (and dessert) from the Estate Restaurant, or simply settle in for lunch or dinner. Keep an eye on their socials for special chef events and tastings—at the time of writing they have been holding wine varietal masterclasses at the cellar door.
Insider Intel:
- Last year they released a special barrel-aged gin with Waiheke Distilling Co., aged in Tantalus Reserve Chardonnay French oak barrel—for a unique gin with soft notes of apricot, lemon zest, honeyed oak, spice and vanilla. Try your luck sourcing a bottle during your visit, or opt for their Unchartered Territory cocktail showcasing this special collaboration gin.
Alibi Brewing Company
Located inside Tantalus Estate, 70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Alibi Brewing Company | Instagram
Housed beneath Tantalus Estate, Alibi Brewing Co. is a microbrewery making new world, hop-forward, experimental beers. Head into their cosy brick-walled beer lounge that feels like a speakeasy hideaway (where you can also see the brewery from the bar), or soak in the vineyard views out in the beer garden with a pint in hand. You can also get a great line-up of snacks here from Tantalus Head Chef Axel Curtet-Latreille and the talented kitchen team upstairs, for a bite with your beer in hand. They’re open daily and for walk-ins too—no bookings required.
Insider Intel:
- Check out their “Waiheke-famous” Alibi buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dip—perfect with a crisp pint of their Smashed Palace low-carb lager.
Te Motu Vineyard
76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Te Motu | Vicki Young
Known as Waiheke’s oldest family vineyard, Te Motu is named after the original name for Waiheke Island—Te Motu Arai Roa, meaning ‘island of long shelter’ in te reo Māori. Rows of lush, green vines run up and down the hill with the vineyard restaurant, ‘The Shed’, named after its former life, sitting among it all. It’s a beautiful spot for a long weekend lunch with views of endless green hills and blue skies, with a glass of wine in hand.
Stay for lunch (head chef Rowan Stewart and the team are cooking some incredibly delicious plates showcasing Te Motu’s abundant garden produce) and then make that lunch even more special with a vertical tasting of Te Motu, their signature cabernet-merlot blend over the years—referred to as the purest expression of the vineyard. With each vintage carrying its own unique flavour profile, it's an educational experience on how the ever-changing nature of terroir can impact the grapes.
Insider Intel:
- If tiramisu is on the menu, it’s a must-order—the combination of cocoa-dusted, espresso-soaked, house-baked (!) savoiardi finished with sherry vinegar caramel pairs so well with a glass of their smoky and savoury, almost whisky-like Te Motu vintage from 2000.
Wild Estate - The Untamed Winery
82 Onetangi Road
Image credit: Wild Estate’s wine tasting | Vicki Young
Previously known as “Wild on Waiheke,” Wild Estate offers archery in the vines and laser clay-shooting, as well as tastings of their boutique wines from the premium 'W' range—it’s so rare that they exclusively sell it on-site with a select few making it onto their website. They also have their own beer—the first beer brewed in Waiheke in fact, and now over 25 years old—Waiheke Island Brewery. Still brewed in a shed out back, and in small-batch brews, they’re showcased in the restaurant along with local craft beers from Tāmaki Makaurau.
Insider Intel:
- While they offer walk-ins, it’s best to book for larger groups of 8 people or more. The best time to get a tasting table is between 11am-12pm or after 3pm (avoid the lunchtime rush).
Stonyridge Vineyard
80 Onetangi Road
Image credit: Stonyridge Vineyard | Vicki Young
From planting their first vines and olive trees in 1982 to recently re-opening for the season after a big renovation, Stonyridge is a definite must-visit when in Waiheke. Not only was Stonyridge the first commercial olive grower in Aotearoa, but also initiated the first Bordeaux blend in Aotearoa. Walk-in to try their signature tasting, including their flagship Larose, which put Stonyridge on the national stage, and gained global attention for their wine back in 1987 as one of the best reds made in Aotearoa.
We also are big fans of their Fallen Angel range, originally developed for the restaurant but having grown in popularity since, it is now available outside of the restaurant too (their Rosé made with Central Otago pinot noir grapes is a popular choice).
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, they are currently offering a winter French cheese pairing offer with wine tastings—we recommend reserving a tasting to guarantee a spot as walk-ins can be limited.
SOHO Family Vineyards Cellar Door + Eatery
74 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: SOHO | Supplied (Photography by Peter Rees)
Wander down the hill from Te Motu and Stonyridge, and you'll find the unmissable neon SOHO sign. Opened last April, the laid back industrial, street art-inspired space now has a permanent home after running a pop-up space the summer prior. Their food truck at the Soho cellar door is now home to Harvey Eatery, run by chef-in-residence Sebastian Vargas. We’ll have the prawns ajillo with an off-dry Maren Riesling, please.
Insider Intel:
- They also offer self-guided tasting boxes which are available to book (recommended), where you can explore wines from their Waiheke ‘Black’ collection, as well as their wines from Marlborough and Central Otago. It also comes with a fun mystery pour, too.
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa
Image credit: Mudbrick Restaurant | Instagram
Without a doubt one of the crown jewels of the Waiheke vineyard scene, Mudbrick is a little further off the public bus route, but more than worth the additional effort to get there. Crest the top of the hill and soak in the 180 degree views. Robyn Skelton and Nick Jones brought the (bare) land back in their late 20s in 1992 and began their dream of a space that grew to what is now Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant—reading about their journey and passion is deeply moving, and really contextualises the vineyard's magical feel. You can walk-in for their wine tastings, which are available all year round, or book ahead to dine at the restaurant. There are few views more impressive than this.
Insider Intel:
- They offer a range of wine-tastings, from local Mudbrick tastings to dessert wine tastings.
Casita Miro
3 Brown Road, Waiheke
Image credit: Casita Miro | Vicki Young
Another winery off the beaten track is Casita Miro, a 25 minute walk from the nearest Hop-On Hop-Off stop (or you can take the scenic beach route from Onetangi Beach which is about 15 minutes walk). Arrive to a peaceful vineyard and restaurant, twinkling with fairylights and dotted with with a menu serving up Spanish flavours and cuisine from the wider Mediterranean. We missed lunch, but were able to get a grazing platter of cheeses, rillettes and olives with our wine tasting. While Casita Miro focus on syrah and Bordeaux varietals, they also grow pinot gris, chardonnay, albariño and viognier. They also have their fortified wine, ‘Madame Rouge,’ great for a post-meal digestif.
Insider Intel:
- As appreciators of fine jerez a.k.a. sherry from ‘the sherry triangle’ in Spain, they also offer sherry tasting flights to go with your meal—this is one for the sherry lovers (and great with their daily changing croqueta).
Poderi Crisci
205 Awaawaroa Road
Image credit: Poderi Crisci | Instagram
Somewhere between Tuscany and the Hauraki Gulf, and at the very end of a country lane sits Poderi Crisci. Owners Antonio Crisci and Vivienne Farnell are no strangers to the hospitality scene, having previously opened and owned II Forno Cafe and Non Solo Pizza. The food is Italian classics done right—they serve idyllic long lunches on weekends and degustation dinners every Saturday.
Their beautiful underground cellar is where the wine magic happens, in French oak barriques. You must try their Italian varietals, from a deep montepulciano (think leather, savoury berries and earthy rosemary), to a refreshing arneis (a select group of wineries growing this deliciously dry citrus and pear drop in Aotearoa, with this being the only Waiheke-grown arneis), and if you’re lucky, their nebbiolo, known as the 'wine for royalty'. Don’t forget to also finish with one of their digestif selections—they have sunshine in a glass a.k.a. agrumetto made with Waiheke citrus (similar to a limoncello), as well as a spiced acquavite and nocino made with estate-grown Waiheke walnuts too. This is a taste of Italy, without the long haul flight.
Insider Intel:
- We’re loving these local collabs—they also released a gin with Waiheke Distilling Co. last year, Awaawaroa Gin led with 65% estate pinot grigio. We’ll be ferrying over for a wine-gin spritz and long lunches in the sunshine, stat.
Awaroa Organic Vineyard
324 Waiheke Road
Image credit: Awaroa Organic Vineyards | Instagram
Make your way up the road and around the corner to Waiheke's most awarded small vineyard, Awaroa Organic Vineyard, a co-op formed by six partners of Orapiu Grove Farm which sits on just 5 hectares. Awaroa meaning ‘long river’ in te reo Māori refers to the water system on the land, which features natural springs that feed into the Awaroa stream and surrounding native bush. Head there Thursday through to Sunday for a glass and platter in their bee-friendly (and dog-friendly) gardens.
Insider Intel:
- Awaroa Organic Vineyard also has three olive orchards on the property which produce small batches of organic olive oil and preserved olives which feature on their grazing platters (and you can buy direct from the vineyard).
Batch Winery
129 Carsons Road
Image credit: Batch Winery | Vicki Young
Head to Batch Winery (conveniently a designated stop on the Waiheke Hop-On Hop-Off bus too), where you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Their Thomas Estate vineyard is the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island, sitting at 200 metres above sea level, growing four different grape varietals—pinot gris, chardonnay, flora and syrah.
Stop by their cellar door for a tasting, or book in for lunch—the oysters go perfectly with their Thomas Sparkling Cuvée. During the cooler months (from May to September), they also run their popular hilltop high tea on Sundays paired with their Thomas wines (and stunning views to boot).
Insider Intel:
- As one of the few with a Charmat tank in Aotearoa, they are the only winery in Waiheke producing and bottling their own sparkling wine on-site. We’ll drink to that.
Passage Rock Wines & Restaurant
438 Orapiu Road
Image credit: Passage Rock Wines & Restaurant | Instagram
Head to the eastern side of Waiheke Island (you can take the Eastern End bus), and spend the day at Waiheke’s most awarded-winery—Passage Rock—with a glass of the most-awarded drop in hand, their reserve syrah. David and Veronica Evans-Gander transformed their 41 acre dream in Matuku Valley in 1994 (that’s over three decades of hard work and care), into the wine and food destination it is now known as today. With their combined experience and international skills in wine and self-sufficient farming, you can feel the passion, expertise and hospitality as soon as you arrive.
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, their restaurant is currently closed for a winter break, with tastings currently only available on the weekend from 12-4pm (the booking link may not allow you to book during the winter months, so we recommend contacting them directly before you arrive to double check availability).
Man O’ War Vineyards
725 Man O War Bay Road
Image credit: Man O’War Vineyards | Instagram
Continue exploring the eastern part of Waiheke Island with the Eastern Explorer Bus (note: not to be confused with the Eastern End bus), taking you directly to Man O’War Vineyards (and the following two neighbours on this side of the island, Waiheke Distilling Co. and Jasper Ridge). Take a seat in the beachfront tasting room and sip your way through the range of Man O'War wines, from their flagship bottles, to Swiftsure by Man O’War (highlighting grapes from Marlborough and Bannockburn), as well the complex notes of the Kulta collection (a nod to the owners' Finnish ancestors). My personal fave has got to be the Pinque Rosé from their Waiheke and Ponui islands’ vines; it's the perfect drop for those summery weekends on the island.
For those after a side of adrenaline and adventure with their wine tasting, check out the newly opened Man O’ War Forest Flight Zipline—a guided 2 hour zipline tour through ancient kauri forest before touching down at the tasting room and restaurant, for a very essential wine tasting and lunch finale.
Insider Intel:
- The bus from and to the ferry will also take about 45 minutes one way (and around the Eastern loop, especially if stopping at the other two locations on the Eastern Explorer bus) so it pays to book in advance and allow time when booking for tastings, lunch or zip-lining.
- Some of their grapes grow on neighbouring Ponui Island, which they can only get to during low tide conditions.
Waiheke Distilling Co.
258 Cowes Bay Road
Image credit: Waiheke Distilling Co. | Vicki Young
Set on the breathtaking ridge above Pikau Bay, overlooking panoramic views of Hauraki Gulf and the silhouette of Coromandel in the distance, Waiheke Distilling Co. is the place to visit when you're all wine-d out. The Eastern Explorer Bus will take you to this gin lover’s paradise—we recommend setting aside at least an afternoon for the full experience.
Their Garden Bar offers tastings of both Waiheke Distilling Co.’s bespoke gin and their botanical vodka collections (check out the beautifully illustrated bottles showing the botanicals in each one). Both come in individual tasting paddles, along with the addition of garnishes and various mixers to add during your tasting session. All their craft spirits are distilled with macadamia (instead of whey) for a luxuriously creamy finish. Speaking of, their vegan pizza is a must-try, as well as their crispy pizza fritta—excellent with a giant Red Ruby spritz in hand.
Insider Intel:
- The Red Ruby gin is one of my absolute faves—made with freshly-pressed Aotearoa cherries from the South Island. You can buy their gin direct from the restaurant (and they also come in cute mini gifting sets and a handy RTD drink pack).
- As mentioned above, they work closely with other local wineries on the island to create bespoke gin and wine collaborations too. Check out their socials for these limited edition gins (and you may even be able to sample some of their collaborations at their tastings or distillery tour).
Jasper Ridge Estate
31 Cowes Bay Road
Image credit: Jasper Ridge Estate | Instagram
Last but not least on the Eastern Explorer Bus Tour is Jasper Ridge Estate. Another lesser-visited spot on the island, keep an eye out for the low-key door on the road. When the sun’s out you might spy their disco ball outside in the vines—leading you to their new cellar door offering a ‘Tasting in the Vines’ experience. Try their gold-award winning rosé, pinot gris, viogner and syrah, along with limited-edition tastes of their winemaker and reserve syrah ranges. During the summer, head to their wee wine shed nestled in the vineyard for wine tastings and talks too.
Insider Intel:
- This is the last stop on the Fullers’ Eastern Explorer Bus, where their Eastern Explorer Tour includes a boutique tasting at Jasper Ridge. For a more in-depth tasting, book below through the vineyard.
Tūāpae
52 Trig Hill Road, Onetangi
Image credit: Tūāpae (via Urban List Brisbane) | Supplied
Family and Māori-owned vineyard, Tūāpae is run by Vanessa and Luke (and their children who grew up on Waiheke), focusing on cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and merlot across a three hectare block. Their winemaking philosophy embodies Te Ao Māori concept of ki uta ki tai—what starts on or is done to the land, will run to the sea—and they have used organic inputs in their winemaking since 2021, releasing their first wines two years later in 2023. During the summer months, you’ll find them open for tastings and light platters. Their vineyard has the Te Ara Hura public walking track running through the property, which makes it a great spot to stop by for a refuel on your stroll.
Insider Intel:
- At the time of writing, their cellar door is closed for winter—keep an eye out for when they reopen later (their tastings are generally on Saturdays, and other times by appointment).
The Heke Kitchen, Brewery & Distillery
64 Onetangi Road, Onetangi
Image credit: The HEKE x Waiheke Whisky | Instagram
Head back towards Onetangi and check out The Heke—created by two Waiheke families, it’s home to their restaurant, two bars, a function space, and their distillery and brewery, The Mashery. Head to the Boilermaker Bar for a guided tasting, where you can try their own craft beer range, Waiheke Brewing Co.
If spirits are more your thing, they also have a flight showcasing their range of distilled spirits—from an award-winning garden gin and pure grain vodka, to Waiheke Whisky honey and rye aged ‘bourbon’ (using local honey from Waiheke Honey Co.), or their spicy cinnamon-infused whiskey. Single malt whisky appreciators will be pleased to know they also offer a three dram taste of their award-winning Waiheke Whisky.
Insider Intel:
- Book in for a post-lunch artisanal chocolate and Waiheke Whisky tasting, where they expertly match their whiskies with Aotearoa single-origin craft chocolates to match the flavour profiles of each dram.
- They also offer brewery tours, beer and whisky tasting with bites from the chef, and gin-blending sessions to make your own gin too.
Want more content on Waiheke?
- Where to Eat, Play, Stay on Waiheke (and Tāmaki Makaurau)
- Stay for lunch at ‘The Shed’ at Te Motu
- Read more about Waiheke Distilling Co. here
Main Image Credit: Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant | Supplied
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