Waiheke Distilling Co

Jasper Ridge – Boutique Waiheke Vineyard & Small-Batch Wines

Jasper Ridge is a boutique, family-run vineyard on Waiheke Island known for producing elegant, small-batch wines that reflect the character of the land. Nestled in a sun-drenched valley with ideal growing conditions, Jasper Ridge focuses on crafting premium wines with care, precision, and a deep respect for the island’s terroir.

With an emphasis on quality over quantity, each vintage is hand-tended from vineyard to bottle. The team’s attention to detail shines through in their signature Syrah, Rosé, and limited varietals — all made in small volumes to preserve purity of flavour. Jasper Ridge wines are known for their balance, vibrancy, and expressive aromatics, shaped by Waiheke’s long warm summers, mineral-rich soils, and cooling sea breezes.

Visitors can purchase wines directly through their online shop, making it easy to enjoy a taste of Waiheke from anywhere in New Zealand. Whether you’re stocking your cellar, choosing a gift, or opening something special for the weekend, Jasper Ridge offers a beautiful selection that captures the essence of island winemaking.

Rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, Jasper Ridge remains one of Waiheke’s hidden gems — producing thoughtfully made wines that celebrate the place they come from.

Sip, Savor, and Sea: Man O' War, Your Gateway to Waiheke's Unique Beachfront Winery Tasting Experience

For an unparalleled wine experience, you quite literally can’t go past Man O’ War — because it’s at the very end of the road. Located on the remote eastern tip of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is not only home to the island’s only beachfront tasting room, but it also boasts one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastal winery settings. It’s a destination in itself — and well worth the journey.

Stretching across 4,500 acres of rugged coastal beauty, rolling hills, and lush farmland, Man O’ War Estate is Waiheke’s largest vineyard operation. In fact, around 75 of the island’s 100 vineyards are located within the Man O’ War boundaries. Despite this expansive size, the experience here feels personal, relaxed, and authentically island-style.

The Only Beachfront Wine Tasting in New Zealand

What makes Man O’ War truly one-of-a-kind is its Tasting Room, nestled right on the shores of Man O’ War Bay. Here, you can sip estate-grown Syrah, Bordeaux blends, and aromatic whites with your toes in the sand and the waves lapping just metres away. It’s not just unique to Waiheke — it’s the only beachfront winery tasting room in the entire country.

The setting is casual yet stunning. Think picnic tables under the pohutukawa trees, families playing pétanque, and wine lovers lounging with a chilled rosé. There’s a feeling that time slows down here — and you’ll want to linger.

The Tasting Room offers flights of current release wines, with the option to purchase bottles to enjoy on-site or take home. A rustic kitchen menu offers wood-fired pizzas, seasonal platters, fresh salads, and other local bites designed to complement the wines. It's the perfect combination of flavour, nature, and Waiheke charm.

A Winery Steeped in History and Character

Man O’ War takes its name from the historic bay where Captain James Cook anchored in 1769 and noted the area's tall, straight trees — ideal for naval ship masts. That sense of place and legacy continues through the vineyard today.

The estate is composed of 76 individual hillside blocks, planted across diverse microclimates and soil profiles, from volcanic clay to steep coastal slopes. This patchwork approach allows the winemakers to craft complex, elegant wines, with distinctive varietal expression. The result is a portfolio that includes critically acclaimed Syrah, Bordeaux-style blends (like their flagship “Dreadnought” and “Ironclad”), Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Rosé.

Many of these wines have become icons in their own right — with Man O’ War frequently recognised among the top wineries in New Zealand for its innovation and commitment to quality.

Perfect for Corporate Events, Group Getaways & Celebrations

Man O’ War isn’t just a tasting room — it’s also an incredible option for corporate groups, wedding parties, and group celebrations. Destination Waiheke can work with you to arrange private transport to and from the bay, as well as coordinate a tailored experience to suit your team’s needs.

Looking for team-building with a twist? Start with a vineyard tour and tasting flight, then move on to a relaxed lunch under the trees or a friendly pétanque tournament. Want to impress clients? Host a long table lunch with locally sourced cuisine and wine pairings in one of the estate’s private beachfront spaces.

Because it’s off the beaten path, Man O’ War offers true privacy, tranquillity, and immersion — perfect for those who want a luxurious yet laid-back experience far from the usual boardroom environment.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

Man O’ War is a destination winery in the truest sense. It’s approximately a 45-minute scenic drive from the main ferry terminals at Matiatia or Kennedy Point — a journey that takes you through rolling farmland, native bush, and coastal cliffs. Destination Waiheke offers private transfers for groups, and if you really want to go all out, you can even arrive by helicopter or boat.

For those planning a full-day adventure, Man O’ War pairs beautifully with stops at other nearby vineyards or adventure activities, like e-biking the east coast trails, archery, or kayaking in the bay.

Whether you’re planning a birthday, team retreat, or just want to explore Waiheke’s hidden corners, Man O’ War delivers something extraordinary: wine with a view, food with flair, and hospitality that’s warm, down-to-earth, and 100% island style.

Savor the Essence of Italy on Waiheke at Poderi Crisci

One of the smallest winery operations on Waiheke, Poderi Crisci produces a range of fine European-inspired wines across the spectrum of white and red, specializing in Italian varieties, using traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable and biodynamic practices employed throughout the vineyard and gardens.

Home to the acclaimed Poderi Crisci Restaurant, renowned for the Italian Long Lunch, degustation style dinners, and wine tasting experiences. The gardens and surroundings create the perfect setting for weddings and functions from 30 - 130 guests, and the team at Poderi Crisci always offers a superb level of Waiheke-Italian Hospitality.

Facilities include a winery, restaurant, tasting room, and gardens with guided tours of the property available on request.