Kumeu River

One of the most historic and finest producers of New Zealand wine, Auckland based Kumeu River has its roots as San Martino Vineyards in 1944 when the Brajkovich family planted the first vines on their property. Currently run by the third generation, Michael, it was in the early 1980s that the name Kumeu River was adopted and the winery began to focus on very Burgundian style Chardonnays. Small amounts of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are made, but it is for the four single vineyard Chardonnays and the estate Chardonnay that Kumeu has justly become famous. There are 30 hectares of estate vineyard augmented by 10 hectares farmed by local growers from which around 10,000 cases are made each year.