Kumeu River

Kumeu River is a winery located in the Kumeu region of Auckland, New Zealand, which is known for producing some of the best Chardonnay wines in the world. The winery was established in 1944 by the Brajkovich family, who emigrated from Croatia to New Zealand in the early 1900s.

Kumeu River Chardonnay has been praised by wine critics and experts around the world, including Jancis Robinson, who is one of the world’s leading wine critics. In fact, Kumeu River’s Coddington Chardonnay has been ranked higher than some of the most famous and expensive white Burgundies from France

Kumeu River is a prestigious New Zealand winery located in the Kumeu region, just northwest of Auckland. It is widely recognized for its exceptional Chardonnay wines, which have garnered international acclaim and put the winery on the global wine map. Kumeu River is a family-owned and operated estate with a rich winemaking history spanning several generations.

The Brajkovich family, originally from Croatia, established the Kumeu River Winery in 1944. The winery’s vineyards are located in the Kumeu region, which benefits from a maritime climate with cool temperatures and a longer growing season. The unique combination of climate, soil, and winemaking expertise has contributed to the production of outstanding wines with distinct character and finesse.

Kumeu River specialises in the production of Chardonnay, and their wines are regarded as some of the best in New Zealand. The winery’s focus on this varietal has allowed them to develop a deep understanding of its expression in the Kumeu region. They meticulously farm their vineyards and adopt sustainable practices to ensure the highest quality fruit.

The Chardonnay wines from Kumeu River are known for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. They showcase a balance between fruit intensity, vibrant acidity, and a judicious use of oak. The wines often display notes of citrus, stone fruits, tropical fruits, and minerality, with a rich texture and a long, lingering finish.

Kumeu River produces a range of Chardonnay styles, from their entry-level Village wines to single-vineyard expressions. The Village wines are fresh, fruit-driven, and approachable, while the single-vineyard wines, such as Maté’s Vineyard, Hunting Hill, and Coddington, showcase the unique terroir of each site.

In addition to Chardonnay, Kumeu River also produces other varietals such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. While Chardonnay remains the winery’s flagship grape, these other wines also reflect the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Kumeu River has received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised by wine critics and enthusiasts around the world. Their wines consistently receive high ratings and are regarded as benchmarks for New Zealand Chardonnay. The winery’s dedication to producing world-class wines with a distinct sense of place has firmly established Kumeu River as one of New Zealand’s premier wine producers.