Latest News Posts

Waiheke ferry operator Explore Group continues to make waves on the Hauraki Gulf becoming naming rights sponsor of the Waiheke Wine & Food Festival. The three year commitment to the April festival reflects Explore’s growing market share on the competitive Waiheke route and the company’s on-going support and dedication to the island community. Explore already work closely with a number

Patrick Newton of Mudbrick Winery has taken out the New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year Competition for the second year in a row. Thirty-three year old Mr Newton was named as the first ever Young Winemaker of the Year in 2014 and this year took out the top spot again with a 2014 Chardonnay, a 2014 Syrah and a

18 Waiheke Island vineyards will be coming together for the annual Waiheke Island of Wine Expo on Monday October 12th at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. The doors will open from 4.00pm until 6.30pm and visitors will have the exclusive chance to sample the latest wine releases. The winemakers themselves will be present, giving guests an exciting and rare opportunity

Poderi Crisci were delighted to be awarded the accolade of “Best Destination Dining” at the recent Metro Magazine Restaurant of the Year awards. We are also very happy to note that amongst the 50 top restaurants in Auckland, six hailed from Waiheke Island. A signal that not only world class wines but also world class dining is putting Waiheke firmly

Patrick Newton from Mudbrick Winery was crowned as the first ever Riedel New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year during a ceremony at the Canterbury A&P Show in November 2014. Thirty-two year old Patrick entered the competition with a 2013 Chardonnay, 2013 Syrah and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and was judged the top young winemaker in New Zealand by a panel

Waiheke Island scored five Gold medals in the Syrah category at the 2014 NZ International wine awards. The Goldie Reserve Syrah 2013, Goldie Syrah 2013, Mudbrick Reserve Syrah 2013, Mudbrick Shepperd’s Point Syrah 2012 and Obsidan Syrah 2013 were all awarded gold medals. At the 6 Nations Wine Challenge run by the Australian Boutique Winemakers in October 2014, Goldie Wines

The Mudbrick Reserve Waiheke Island Syrah 2013 won two trophy awards at the annual Bragato Wine Awards last week. The,  Richard Smart Trophy Winner and Reserve Champion Wine,  and the Alan Limmer Trophy Winner and Champion Syrah. Congratulations to Nick Otto and the Mudbrick team!

The Vintner’s brunch requires twelve restaurants to match signature dishes with wines from twelve vineyards for 450 paying guests. The top choice in 2014 was the Prego’s Slow Braised Beef Short Rib, Beetroot Feta Puree and Crispy Polenta matched with the Dunleavy Grafter Syrah 2012. Last year Te Motu won together with Toto restaurant. Paul Dunleavy says this shows “how

Three of the four Gold awards given to 2013 Syrah wines at the Bragato Wine awards held in Malborough  from August 27th – 29th 2014 went to Waiheke Island wines. The Mudbrick Reserve Syrah 2013 and the Shepperd’s Point Syrah 2013 by Nick Otto at Mudbrick vineyard and the Obsidian Syrah 2013 by Mike Wood at Obsidian vineyard were awarded

Tickets to the Waiheke Island of Wine Expo on Monday September 22nd at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour from 4:00pm to 6:30pm can be purchased for $30pp at www.eventfinder.co.nz, the Princes Wharf, Sky City and Waiheke i-SITES, the Waiheke Wine Centre, and the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Come along and taste new release and award wining artisan wines from 17 different