Auckland’s top tier wines

Here are our five favourite Aucklandgrown wines:

We’re a country famous for its wines - between Marlborough, Martinborough and Central Otago, we’ve got the grape-growing game sorted. But our biggest city, Auckland, also rates as great winegrowing country.

1. KUMEU RIVER CHARDONNAY - KUMEU

If chardonnay is your preferred drop, look no further.

Crafted by Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich, this delicious peachy wine is perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon.

2. MAN O WAR ‘PINQUE’ WAIHEKE ISLAND

If nothing else, this rose makes the ferry worthwhile!

The Provencal styled ‘Pinque’ is crisp and creamy, and is laden with strawberry and watermelon flavours - what more could you want?

3. VILLA MARIA ‘IHUMATAO VERDELHO’ - MANGERE

A little bit of Spain in south Auckland.

Verdelho is a dry white wine, which is beautiful on its own and even better when enjoyed with tapas or freshly shucked oysters. Bottoms up!

4. PURIRI HILLS MOKOROA CLEVEDON

For something a little bit special, the Mokoroa is a must-have.

Clevedon grown, Puriri Hills’ range of luxury reds will make the others at your table seeing red.

5. CABLE BAY PINOT GRIS WAIHEKE ISLAND

With a glass of Cable Bay Pinot Gris in hand, you’ll have the best looking date in the place.

Fruit and spice (and everything nice) make this little beauty a winner.