Waiheke Island Wine Descriptions

Description 1 of 1

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island has become known as New Zealand’s ‘Island of Wine' - home to a dedicated group of award-winning winegrowers who have successfully matched the unique maritime climate and ancient soil structures to the selection of classical grape varieties in order to produce red and white wines with distinctive varietal character. Winegrowers have successfully matched the unique maritime climate and ancient soil structures to the selection of classical grape varieties. With a total planted area of just 216 hectares divided among 30 growers, wine production is small and top vintages are keenly awaited with labels such as Goldwater Estate, Stonyridge Larose, Passage Rock and Cable Bay having an international following and most small producers having a loyal mail order clientele. Waiheke is also the ‘Island of wine tourism’, attracting up to 800,000 visitors a year and providing the main economic driver for the island’s 8,000 permanent residents. In the November to March summer months, when the vines are in full leaf, the resident population swells to 40,000 and the restaurants, cafes and art galleries do a roaring business. Find out more about Waiheke's restaurants, accomodation, travel, and what's on at www.purewaiheke.com – Description from palmnut

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