Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is fast becoming known as the ideal location for producing high quality Bordeaux style red wines. Situated in the Hauraki Gulf, where temperatures are several degrees warmer than on the main island, Waiheke is now home to around twenty wineries that produce exceptional wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Due to its relatively sheltered position in the Gulf to the east of Auckland, Waiheke Island is partially protected from the colder, wetter west and southwest winds. The terroir on the island is highly mineralised but naturally low in pH and phosphate due to the clay-based soils. Therefore, management of drainage, organic soil matter and pH is required on an on-going basis.