Kumea River Wine

Kumeu River has received more critical acclaim than any other New World producer over the last few years; it comes as no surprise as the New Zealand Chardonnay producers craft top-quality standard wines and offer low prices. One of the best wineries in New Zealand, they are widely acknowledged for their class, with their Chardonnays setting the benchmark of the grape. They have also introduced other impressive whites, such as Pinot and Sauvignon Blanc. Being pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry, their business was created by Croatian immigrant Mate Brajkovich and his family in 1944.

Kumeu River Wines

We will have a look at some of the most impressive options from Kumeu River, with plenty of stellar Chardonnay options to choose from.

Among the great Chardonnay options, one that stands out is Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay. This pale gold white wine boasts a precise and perfect balance, making it a long and satisfying choice. It's no wonder it's the most expensive in the range. The wine is a tribute to the founder, Mate Brajkovich, who reworked and planted a new vineyard. The first grapes from this vineyard were harvested in 1993, a year after Mate's passing. This wine, released 50 years after the Brajkovich family's arrival at Kumeu River, is a testament to Mate's life and the winery's rich history.

Another form of Chardonnay was Hunting Hill; Hunting Hill is a vineyard that was created in 1982, overlooking Mate's vineyard; it has always produced lovely, ripe and rich fruit. The wine is powerful and magnificent. The vines have been replanted in 2020, adding more depth. The taste is limey, has cutting acidity and mineral drive with a grippy texture, showing the ageing potential. With time especially, it turns into a magnificently complex wine again showcasing the hard work and determination of Kumeu River.

Kumeu River Heritage

Upon their arrival from Croatia, the family began their vineyard work, which eventually became known as San Marino vineyards. Slowly building their reputation, it was the late 1970s and early 1980s that marked a significant shift in the winery's style and direction. Kumeu River started producing varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, which were not common at the time, a daring move that paid off.

In the 1980s, the business changed its name to Kumeu River and began producing a Burgundy-influenced style of Chardonnay, which began earning international awards and a huge reputation.

In 2014, Melba Brajkovich became a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for their services to the wine industry, proving the reputation of the winery is completely well deserved.