New Zealand has quite the reputation in the wine-producing world, with the Central North Island wine region encompassing some of the best wineries in the country.
The best wineries of North Island NZ are within close proximity to Taupo, so spending the day wine tasting is a brilliant idea.
It does not matter if you’re a self-proclaimed connoisseur or new to the wine scene, you are sure to find the perfect bottle of red or white wine, to suit whatever taste it is you prefer.
We have rounded up the best wineries to visit when in Taupo, so get your glasses ready and make your way over to some of the finds on this list.
Omori Estate
With three properties being a total of 67 acres, Omori Estate is an enormous winery that has also received plaudits and a gold medal for its signature Pinot Gris. Planted in 2002 this tropical seaside estate has a unique taste due to its geographical positioning making it one of the top wineries in Taupo.
Omori Estate continues to attract a large number of visitors due to its popular tasting, family picnic concerts and gourmet food markets.
148 Omori Road, RD1, Turangi 3381, New Zealand
Mills Reef
This award winning winery has achieved significant critical acclaim on the local and international stage, with over a whopping 250 medals and awards won.
It’s easy to see why this winery has done so well, with its outstanding selection of signature wines continuing to set the benchmark. If you’re gazumped by the amount of excellent choice on offer, lean towards their Elspeth branded wines. Either way, you cannot go wrong at Mills Reef.
143 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
Ohinemuri Estate
This winery has some deep European heritage, with the founders of Ohinemuri Estate spending most of their lives in Germany, Switzerland, London and Moscow.
Ohinemuri is a boutique winery and restaurant that is well regarded as a tranquil haven, where you are invited to enjoy some of the best European inspired wine and food you’ll ever taste.
23b Moresby St, Karangahake 3674, New Zealand
Morton Estate Wines
This winery is widely popular for being a leading producer of premium wines in New Zealand. It exemplifies the best wine making techniques, both historic and modern, creating some of the most striking new styles and flavours that you’ll be lucky enough to taste.
Morton Estate has also won numerous local and international accolades, winning the Best Chardonnay in the World trophy in 1997 at the International Wine Challenge Competition. So if you’re down for a Chardonnay, this is the place!
Morton Estate has expanded its portfolio since then and also offers other award winning wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, some Bordeaux blends, Pinot Gris and also some other sparkling wines. You won’t walk away disappointed from Morton Estate Wines.
Vilagrad Winery
Best known for its family like atmosphere, Vilagrad Winery provides an exceptional range of award winning wines, delectable food and entertainment.
It has embraced a fantastic Mediterranean style and caters for a wide range of events, including tours, weddings, corporate functions, conferences and more. It is also famous for its Sunday Lunch and Harvest Festival, which continue to be a huge hit among visitors and locals alike.
702 Rukuhia Road RD 2 Ohaupo, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
Floating Rock Vineyard
The Floating Rock Vineyard provides excellent bottles of vino that you are going to be sure to love, particularly its Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir being the best bets. This winery has received a Sustainable accreditation, with it remaining very natural and eco friendly.
The wines at Floating Rock Vineyard are known to have delicious and varietal characteristics due to the gravel soils laid down by volcanic eruptions which have shaped the region. If you’re after something different, then this place is a great choice.
Pohangina Valley Estate
This small boutique, family owned winery uses some of the very best grapes grown in the Central North Island, including chardonnay, pinot gris and pinot noir grapes.
Because of this, the bottles of white this winery produces are magnificent. It has received rave reviews among the wine tasting community, proving to be a true gem.
Taupo is blessed to have so many amazing wineries so close to home. Every winery that is close by provides its own signature taste and style, making it a fantastic place to have a wine tasting adventure.
With so many spectacular bottles of vino to try, you are sure to fall in love with the wine scene down in Taupo and its surrounds.
1034-1064 Valley Rd, Ashhurst 4884, New Zealand
Be sure to check out our Winery Tours for some great deals.