Auckland Wine Tasting Tour with Vineyard Lunch – Kumeu Wineries

Summary

Small Group Kumeu Wine Trail: Tastings & Vineyard Lunch

If you want to explore Auckland’s wine scene without worrying about driving or planning, this tour covers three unique vineyards—including an award-winning lunch spot—and gives you plenty of time to relax and taste what makes Kumeu special.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we rolled out of the city was how the air changed—crisper, with that faint earthy smell you only get near vineyards after a bit of rain. Our guide, Mike, chatted about local winemaking families while we passed rows of grapevines just starting to bud. The drive to The Hunting Lodge didn’t take long, but it felt like a world away from downtown Auckland. Inside the cellar door, you’ll spot quirky labels—each one tells a little story about the vineyard’s history or the winemaker’s odd sense of humor. We tried their Sauvignon Blanc (the original Kiwi classic), and I could taste why folks rave about it—bright, fresh, with just enough zing to wake up your palate.

Lunch was at Soljans Estate, which has been run by the same family for generations. There’s something comforting about sitting down in a place where everyone seems to know each other—staff waving to locals popping in for a midday glass. The menu changes with the seasons; ours started with warm bread and olive oil, then slow-cooked lamb that melted apart, finished off with a tangy lemon tart. I picked a glass of Pinot Gris to go with it—fruity but not too sweet. You can hear birds in the garden if you sit near the window; it’s easy to lose track of time here.

Last stop: Westbrook Winery in Ararimu Valley. It’s tucked away down a winding road lined with old trees and feels almost secretive. Their Chardonnays are what they’re known for—I’m not usually a Chardonnay fan, but this one was different: more citrus than butter, really clean finish. The winemaker popped by our table and shared how every grape is hand-picked; you can tell there’s pride in every bottle. By late afternoon, the sun had come out again and we wandered outside for one last look at the vines before heading back into town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine Tasting and Vineyard Lunch

• Visit The Hunting Lodge winery
• 3-course lunch at Soljan family winery
• Tour Westbrook boutique winery

Top questions

Is this wine tasting tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The guides explain each wine and answer any questions—no experience needed.

Can I choose my wine during lunch?

Yes, you can pick from several wines (or beer or juice) included with your meal at Soljans Estate.

Do you cater for dietary restrictions?

Please let us know when booking—we’ll do our best to accommodate most dietary needs at lunch.

How many people are on each tour?

This is a small group experience—usually between 10-17 guests per vehicle for an intimate feel.

What’s included

Your day includes all wine tasting fees at three top Kumeu wineries, a full 3-course vineyard lunch with your choice of drink, comfortable transport in a Mercedes minibus (so no need to drive), and guidance from someone who knows the region inside out.