Kumeu River Wines

Auckland, New Zealand

With wines made by New Zealand’s first ever Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich, it’s little wonder that Kumeu River’s Chardonnays – with their Burgundian subtlety – are lauded around the world. Michael’s grandfather established the Auckland winery in 1944 having emigrated from Croatia at the turn of the twentieth century, the family becoming major players in the country’s vinous evolution. Vineyards now cover 30 hectares, all hand harvested, and the cellar door has been managed by Michael’s mother Melba for aeons. Visitors get special access to private reserve labels not sold in stores, tasted alongside local cheese and fruit platters.