About

About Matakana Estate

The Matakana Coastal region is cherished for its white-sand beaches and the vibrant Matakana Village Farmers Market—truly a slice of paradise just beyond Auckland. There’s a special kind of magic in the land here, and we’re proud to be part of it as a boutique winery dedicated to showcasing the quality wines of this unique region.

At Matakana Estate, our cellar door and venue now operate exclusively by booking only. While we no longer offer public walk-ins, we curate private wine experiences for those wanting to explore how our maritime climate shapes our grapes. Our passionate team loves sharing their knowledge and creating tailored experiences for our guests.

We also host occasional pop-up events that are open to the public—perfect opportunities to reconnect with our wines and the beauty of the estate.

Our Story

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”.

Our Wine

Matakana Estate has been at the forefront of local winemaking since this premium boutique wine region first emerged over 30 years ago. Nestled just a short drive from Auckland, our vineyard produces hand-crafted Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris—showcasing the character of our coastal terroir.

To complement our Matakana-grown wines, we also source exceptional fruit from other renowned regions: Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc from Hawke’s Bay, and our ever-popular Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough.

Each bottle reflects a commitment to quality and a passion for showcasing the best of New Zealand’s diverse wine landscape.