Akaroa Winery

The winery, nestled on the north facing slopes of the lush hills above the historical village of Akaroa, produces wines with great intensity and finesse. The rugged terroir of the volcanic soils comes through in their wines unique flavours. Certified organic, every aspect of the growing and planting are dedicated to sustainable farming techniques in the Canterbury region of the country’s South Island. The wines resemble the more fruit dominant California wines which is no surprise as the owner’s of Takamatua Valley Vineyards are linked to the north coast of California in more ways than one. Timberly Hughes, of San Francisco, California and her Kiwi husband, Allan Ransley, purchased the vineyard in 2001 and with great hope for the young winery representing a blend of their worlds. Commenting on their long distance relationship, Timberly explains,

After hopping continents for several years, we decided to settle in New Zealand, secretly hoping to escape the earthquake prone California coast and enjoy a simpler life.

Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake that destroyed the nearby city of Christchurch last February has tempered their dream somewhat, but has made them more determined to reap the unique qualities of the Akaroa terroir. The winery first opened in 1995 and the first small vintage of wine was pressed from winery grapes in 1999. The vineyard was in full production as of the year 2000. Takamatua Valley Vineyards are the first and only certified Organic vineyard and winery estate on Banks Penninsula and have been under new ownership since May 2001. The Takamatua Valley Vineyards is expected to occupy an enviable niche as a producer of fine wines with distinctive character. The Takamatua Valley Vineyards offers superb facilities and service from boutique wine tastings to facility rentals for weddings, business and private functions.

The Takamatua Valley Vineyards offers superb facilities including a vineyard, wine tasting and a function centre for conferences, weddings and other special occasions. Nestled on the north facing slopes of the lush hills above the historical village of Akaroa, the wine building at Takamatua Valley Vineyard has a magnificent panoramic view of the harbour and countryside. Christchurch, one of New Zealand's main centres, is 80km North West from Akaroa. The region offers a balanced lifestyle, combining exhilarating activities such as world-class fishing and skiing - both within easy reach, with the less physical pursuits of fine dining and shopping. Wine tasting of boutique wines from the vineyards, produced and bottled on site are available. The winery also features an off-license, with a variety of wines sold at very reasonable prices for visitors to take home. For additional information, please email us at manager@takamatuavalley.co.nz or call 03.304.8990 (NZ).

May 2024. While we have completed quake repairs and reopened our daily tastings, we are still working on bringing the facility back to a standard we are proud of. At this time we are not taking bookings for events so as not to disappoint patrons. We will keep this site updated on progress. Akaroa, NZ – September 27, 2014 – Takamatua Valley Vineyards Party goers at the official headquarters for the Global Party in London will revel through-out the month of September, raising their glasses in celebration of philanthropy across the globe.  Connecting over 360,000 VIP’s across the world for a worthy cause. As an official wine sponsor for the celebration, Akaroa Winery is honored to be the first New Zealand venue to host this prestigious affair.  www.theglobalparty.com Akaroa Winery, nestled on the north facing slopes of the lush hills above the historical village, produces wines with great intensity and finesse. The rugged terroir of the volcanic soils comes through in our wines unique flavours. Certified organic, every aspect of the growing and planting are dedicated to sustainable farming techniques.  The wines resemble the more fruit dominant California wines which is no surprise as we are linked to the north coast of California in more ways than one. Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake in September of 2010 damaged much of Akaroa and the winery itself and we are finally recovering, and what better way than to open the doors for a worthy cause to benefit our community. Now the world can sample the flavour of Akaroa through the Takamatua Valley Vineyards wine club online at www.takamatuavalley.com. Timberly, Allan and Jay Nestled on the north facing slopes of the lush hills above the historical village of Akaroa, Takamatua Valley Vineyards hosts a wide range of public and wine club events throughout the year. Akaroa Winery offers superb facilities and service from boutique wine tastings to facility rentals for weddings, business and private functions.

Still White

Pinot Gris

Takamatua Valley Vineyards is proud to be an early producer of Pinot Gris in New Zealand. The Takamatua Valley Pinot Gris has the perfumed characters associated with this grape. The wine is succulent and rich with candy aromas which are a feature of this complex wine. Blended with approximately 15% Guwerztramminer to bring forward truly aromatic qualities.

Chardonnay

Lightly oaked using aged French Barrels, balanced with a slow primary yeast fermentation followed by a malolactic fermentation lasting several months. We aim for soft subtle dry Chardonnay expressing the unique terroir of the Banks Peninsula.

Riesling

Picked by hand, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel, our Riesling reflects the minerals present in our soils, generally dry with a subtle sweetness gifted by the flavors of the grapes themselves.

Cuvee Blanc

Unique to Takamatua Valley Vineyards, a surprising blend of Chardonnay and Riesling. Ranging from a soft honey suckle like flavor to more recently a crisp clean fresh blend of wines.

Red

Pinot Noir

The Takamatua Valley Pinot Noir has an elegance and softness of this classic Burgundy grape. The wine has a fruity character tending towards plum with suppleness of texture and a well rounded finish.

Join Our Wine Club

Completed in 2005, the winery occupies what was know as the Cathedral Room, a fitting name for our winery. Comprised on Italian equipment from Marchisio, Siprem and Tosacan Enological Mori, we believe we can treat our grapes and wines with the utmost of care. A small library of French Oak Barrels supplied by Brouchard Cooperges from Coopers Billion and Damy. With Timberly taking on wine making duties in 2010 and Allan supporting as cellar rat, generally know as "Oompa-Loompa #1", we proudly control the wine making from Dirt to Bottle. Subtle changes over the years have sourced quality French yeasts to bring forth the true aromas and flavors the Banks Peninsula can produce.