Man O' War Vineyards

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Man O’ War Bay is on the eastern coast of Waiheke Island, named by Captain Cook who eyed up the tall Kauri trees as masts for naval vessels on his first voyage, in 1769. It is now home to the country’s only beachfront tasting room, where you can sample the bold and characterful wines made from Man O’ War’s 75 vineyard plots, the first planted in 1993 and now spread across an estate of over 1,800 hectares encompassing vines, beaches, farmland, olive groves, orchards and forests, plus sheep, cattle, bees and more. It’s no wonder they have their own coach for showing you the sights in, and getting you across the higgledy roads leading to the coastal winery, where tastings overlook lawns leading down to the sea, and the true farm-to-table dining is best enjoyed via the flagship ‘Winemaker’s Long Lunch.’

Key Information

Signature wine

Dreadnought Syrah, Ironclad Proprietary Red, Valhalla Chardonnay
Wines produced

Red, Sparkling, White
Grape varieties

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier
Tasting options
Cellar door
Restaurant
Hidden gems

Beach side tasting room, Celebration venue,