OUR STORY
MATAKANA ESTATE
The Matakana Coastal region is best known for its white-sand beaches and also perhaps the bustling Matakana Village Farmers Market. It is a slice of heaven right on Auckland’s doorstep.
There is magic in the land and we are proud to be a winery in Matakana to showcase the quality of wine produced in the area. We are a boutique vineyard in Matakana. Our cellar door offers wine tasting experiences for those curious about how our Maritime climate affects the grape growing. Our team is passionate about wine and loves sharing their knowledge.
Escape to the countryside and enjoy an evening wine tasting, or enjoy a longer stay at our luxury lodge overlooking our vineyards.
Our story dates back to 1996 when the Vegar-Fitzgerald family first planted the vines. With a rich history of winemaking and a Croatian heritage dating back over 100 years, they set out to establish a thriving vineyard in New Zealand.
In 2012, a new ownership team took over the winery with a passion for producing high-quality boutique wines and expanding the business to include luxurious accommodations. In 2018, the Matakana Estate Lodge was opened, offering a tranquil getaway destination for guests.
Today, our estate covers 35 hectares, making it the largest winery in the Matakana region. We are proud of our heritage and dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of our vineyard. Come and experience our story for yourself.
OUR WINEMAKER – RICHARD ROBSON
Richard moved here from his native Australia to take over the winemaking reins at Matakana Estate since early 2007. He has used his considerable experience to hone and refine our classically-styled varietals and blends to a consistently high level, focusing on bringing out each wine’s varietal and regional characteristics with minimum interference.
His winemaking journey began in New South Wales, where he gained his winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University. Richard went on to make wine for several respected Australian wineries, including Charles Melton, Yalumba and Plantagenet (where he was Chief Winemaker before joining Matakana Estate) and has also had experience in making wine in Rhone Valley.
Richard lives in Matakana with his wife and two sons, he describes Matakana as “one of the most wonderful places in the world, not only for growing grapes but for enjoying life”.
Useful information and blogs
From “top 5 things to do in Matakana” to handy tips for wine tasting.
Sharing what we love the most, wine and the Matakana region.
Check out our blog articles here:
- Top five things to do in Matakana
- An easy guide on how to taste wines
- Where do wine flavours come from?
- Date ideas in Auckland, Matakana
- Matakana Accommodation: Top 5 holiday stays