Northland

Northland has the warmest climate of any region in New Zealand and this encouraged several pioneers to plant grapes. But it is one of the smallest wine producing regions in New Zealand, despite it being the first area in New Zealand where grapes were planted. Reverend Samuel Marsden is generally credited with planting the first grapevines in New Zealand in 1819. The vines were planted as part of Marsden’s efforts to establish a settlement for the Church Missionary Society at Kerikeri. He recorded the planting in his journal of his second visit to New Zealand:

    "We had a small spot of land cleared and broken up, in which I planted about a hundred grape vines of different kinds brought from Port Jackson. New Zealand promises to be very favourable to the vine, as far as I can judge at the present of the nature of the soil and climate. Should the vine succeed it will prove of vast importance in this part of the globe."

Little did Marsden know how right he would be.
Today there are small vineyards near Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Russell, Whangarei and Mangawhai - a total of over 50 vineyards.












The largest plantings have taken place around Matakana near Warkworth, Wines coming from Matakana have shown some good potential which is helping the region's reputation to grow.

The main varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

Notable Northland vineyards include Marsden, Okahu, Longview, Matakana Wines, Ransom, Ascension, Hyperion, Heron's Flight.











The latter is one of the more interesting wineries as the owner, David Hoskins was one of the first winemakers in NZ to plant the Italian grape varieties Sangiovese and Dolcetto, which they have successfully grown since 1993. Worth trying the Sangiovese, if you are passing or lunching in their lovely vineyard cafe.