Verve talks with Duncan McTavish, General Manager, Viticulture and Winemaking at Man O’ War Vineyards.
What sets Man O’ War apart as a winery?
The Man O’ War story begins with a special piece of land with rich heritage. Today, along with the vineyards, it is a working Angus beef and lamb farm with a restaurant, cellar door and dedicated event space. We have a strong commitment towards maintaining its beauty and integrity, and a desire to protect this treasured land’s natural beauty and sense of history for future generations.
The property comprises a stunning array of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and pristine beaches forming a ruggedly beautiful coastline. Our vineyards benefit from the island’s maritime climate, which provides a long, dry growing season with cooling sea breezes. This unique terroir contributes to the distinct character and complexity of Man O’ War wines. Man O’ War boasts 76 individual hillside vineyards on Waiheke and neighbouring Ponui Island, each chosen for the unique and exceptional qualities they bring to the wines.
What grape varieties are predominantly grown, and how do they express the characteristics of the island’s terroir?
Man O’ War produces a diverse range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rose, Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends, known for their elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect the unique terroir of Waiheke and Ponui Islands.
White varieties have been carefully placed high on hilltops to benefit from cooling sea breezes, extending their growing season and giving them great concentration and minerality. Red varieties drape down steep, sheltered clay hillsides enjoying the heat and drainage provided, promoting intensity and depth.
Which wines most embody the essence of the vineyards and showcase the best of Waiheke Island?
Our Signature Kulta Collection is an homage to our Finnish ancestors; where Kulta means ‘loved one’ and, conveniently, ‘gold’. Kulta is also an expression of hard work and determination, for vineyards carved out of a magnificent landscape and the craftsmanship of great wine.
You can experience our Kulta Range with a private tasting, paired with a selection of house-baked sourdough and Man
O’ War olive oil and honey at our Tasting Room – bookings essential!
Are there any special events or experiences that visitors can enjoy at the Man O’ War?
The Tasting Room and Restaurant, with New Zealand’s only beachside cellar door, showcases our current release Flagship and Kulta wine ranges alongside select limited library wine, as well as olive oil and mānuka honey produced on the property. It’s open seven days over summer, with live music and entertainment on the weekends and public holidays.
We’re excited that early next year there will be more ways to explore the property, including e-bike tours, private vineyard tours and the Forestflight Zipline through the Kauri canopies. Watch this space!
From mid-December you can travel directly to Man O’ War Bay with Explore on select sailings or enjoy the scenic drive on board the Man O’ War Coach, which departs from the Matiatia Ferry Terminal and returns from Man O’ War multiple times a day.
For more information and coach tickets visit manowar.co.nz
