Wines and Wineries on The Matakana Coast

Matakana is New Zealand’s smallest wine area.The vineyards in the Matakana grow grapes to suit each vineyard’s  “terroir”, a combination of local climate and soil type, and each winery creates distinctively styled wines.

Driving north from Mahurangi West Wing Bed and Breakfast accommodation on your winery tour, you’ll first find yourself at Ransom Wines. With its contemporary  architecture and captivating views this is a fabulous winery to visit and while away some time. Visitors to this small family run winery can enjoy, among other wines at the cellar door, New Zealand’s first Carmenère. You should begin your day with one of fabulous platter for which Ransom’s are famous. This is served with matched wine.

If you are still hungry then lunch at the Mahurangi River Winery and Restaurant might be the next thing on your list. The vineyard lies in a valley between the Mahurangi River and Kawau Bay. The restaurant sits high on a hill and offers lovely views. From there you can choose delicious fresh local food from their a la carte menu. Mahurangi River produces a range of  hand made Chardonnay, Syrah and Bordeaux style red wines.

After lunch you may need a bit of a walk so why not check out the wonderful Brick Bay Sculpture Trail at Brick Bay Wines where you will find an display of around 40 sculpture works along a 2 km track and their outdoor gallery. These sculptures are always changing o there is always something new to see. At The Glass House, their tasting room, you can taste Pinot Gris, vibrant Rosés and intense Bordeaux-style red wine blends.

You may now need a “pick-me-up” coffee so you could finish your tour at Omaha Bay Wines. Omaha Bay is a family owned boutique vineyard and winery, overlooking the Hauraki Gulf to Little Barrier Island. Sit back and enjoy the view!