Auckland
Main grapes: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux Blend)…and a lot of beer
Sub-regions: Clevedon, Kumeu, Matakana, Waiheke Island
Climate: Auckland is very humid due to the fact it’s pretty much surrounded by the sea – needless to say rainfall is high. Further eastwards, sub regions like Waiheke Island is sheltered from this wet weather by the Waitakere Ranges and the city of Auckland itself. Despite the soggy situation however, the growing season does see sufficiently high temperatures that the grapes can ripen.
You should know... The majority of Auckland’s grapes go into the production of boutique wines made on a small scale. Auckland is comprised of a narrow stretch of land between the Tasman Sea on its West coast and the Pacific Ocean on its East Coast. Viticulture only really got going in the late 19thCentury in Auckland, when Dalamtian settlers arrived from Croatia and brought their winegrowing traditions with them, starting vineyard plantings around Kumeu.
Sub-regions: Clevedon, Kumeu, Matakana, Waiheke Island
Climate: Auckland is very humid due to the fact it’s pretty much surrounded by the sea – needless to say rainfall is high. Further eastwards, sub regions like Waiheke Island is sheltered from this wet weather by the Waitakere Ranges and the city of Auckland itself. Despite the soggy situation however, the growing season does see sufficiently high temperatures that the grapes can ripen.
You should know... The majority of Auckland’s grapes go into the production of boutique wines made on a small scale. Auckland is comprised of a narrow stretch of land between the Tasman Sea on its West coast and the Pacific Ocean on its East Coast. Viticulture only really got going in the late 19thCentury in Auckland, when Dalamtian settlers arrived from Croatia and brought their winegrowing traditions with them, starting vineyard plantings around Kumeu.