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• Henderson, Kumeu and Huapai to the northwest of Auckland’s city centre, are the traditional winemaking districts
• Known for its Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, most vineyards are planted in pockets of flat land on the drier east coast or in the shelter of western ranges
• In the 1980s vines were also planted on Waiheke Island, in Hauraki Gulf and today is noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and and Cabernet Franc varieties (home to Stonyridge Estate that produces a bordeaux blend called the Larose, one of the most expensive and prestigious New Zealand red wines)
• Home to many of the country’s most respected — and oldest — wine companies
• Few grapes planted here mainly due to the less than ideal agricultural setting and much of the area is already inhabited, and area for vineyards cannot be reserved
• Since they don’t grow very many grapes in Auckland they import many of the grapes from other regions
• The Kumeu River district is known for its Chardonnay, which is grown in the area