The wineries of Kumeu date back to the 1930s when wine families of Croatian origin established winemaking in the area.  These families are still living and working in the area today, making some of New Zealand's most renowned wines. These vineyards contrast with the spectacular coastal scenery of the area. Leave behind the bustle of Auckland city and head northwest to join our afternoon wine tour and taste the flavours of Kumeu Wine Country, Auckland’s Heritage Wine Region. Enjoy lunch at a contemporary vineyard restaurant, sample world renowned wines and marvel at the rugged surf-fringed coastline nearby. Your first stop is at Soljans Vineyard. Soljans has won many awards for their wines and they are also widely acknowledged in New Zealand as being an expert producer of methode traditionelle (bottle-fermented) sparkling wines.Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Soljans Winery restaurant. The winery is built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region.

Next to tempt the taste buds is a wine tasting at Coopers Creek vineyard which offers outstanding wines from New Zealand”s best regions. Coopers Creek produce a wide variety of wines and are adventurous in their choice of grapes and blends. Next you visit one of the region’s special places where (from August to April) you have the chance to see one of the world’s largest seabirds in their natural environment. Your journey takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea. Here you get a close-up of the gannet colony without disturbing their environment. The views extend for miles along the black sand beach of Muriwai.

Your final wine tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins. Without exception they are premium quality and have won numerous awards. This half day ‘wineries out west’ wine tour is a great introduction to the region. * Wineries included may change depending on day of week