Winery and restaurant on Matakana Wine Trail

Grape pickers work in Mahurangi River vineyard at 162 Hamilton Rd, Warkworth with the restaurant on the hill in the background.

Mahurangi River Winery, an established vineyard producing award-winning, handcrafted wines in the popular wine district of Matakana less than an hour's drive north of Auckland, has been placed on the market for sale along with its restaurant.

"The winery is strategically positioned only seven minutes from Warkworth and close to the east coast beaches," says Duncan Napier of Bayleys Warkworth, who is selling 162 Hamilton Rd as a freehold property with a going concern business via a tender campaign closing on November 12 - unless it sells beforehand by negotiation.

Napier says the winery is on the well-known Matakana Wine Trail - a route of wineries featuring premium wines in the region.

"Matakana is a weekend getaway and lifestyle location for Aucklanders as well as a holiday destination for visitors from other parts of the country," Napier says.

With a total land area of 19.62 ha, the Mahurangi River Winery encompasses 4.7 ha planted with chardonnay, albarino, viognier, roussanne, merlot, malbec, cabernet, sauvignon and syrah vines. The harvested grapes are used to supply a purpose-built winery building and restaurant. The property also has covenanted native bush area covering 2 ha.

Napier says income streams are derived from wine sales, the restaurant and hosting functions, particularly weddings.

Vista view over the Mahurangi River vineyard in Warkworth.

"Since opening in 1998, the vineyard has become well-known in the industry for producing hand-crafted wines and has won several medals at the Texsom International Wine Competition," he says.

"This is a quality business with an existing network of clientele that has earned a reputation in the industry for producing a premium product across a full range of wines.

"Mahurangi River Winery represents an exceptional opportunity to a new owner operator or investor to take over an established business within the prospering wine industry. Properties of this nature seldom become available, particularly so close to Auckland and its large customer base."

Napier says the winery has two trademarked wine names, Field of Grace and Pretty in Pink, under its two brands, Mahurangi River Winery and the secondary brand, Maximus.

"Wine is crafted onsite, using a combination of traditional and modern techniques designed to capture the soul and seasons of the region. Production is restricted to ensure quality isn't compromised," he says.

Included in the sale is all the vineyard equipment for wine making including vines and chattels, a workshop building, storage containers, morning tea room for staff and wine stocks from current and previous vintages.

The restaurant which won an architectural award in 2000, seats 50 diners inside and has capacity for a further 45 diners on the decks that feature stunning views across the rolling hills and surrounding countryside. Fresh, local ingredients are the focus of the menu with dishes like pan roasted Cervena venison, confit juniper infused duck and a famedMahurangi vineyard platter with assorted cured meats, seafood, cheeses and preserves accompanied by Matakana olive oil and fresh focaccia.

"This distinctive property also has potential for growth, allowing a new owner to individualise the Mahurangi River Winery," says Napier. "A home could be constructed on site, the scope of the vineyard could be increased and restaurant hours extended.."

Napier says the winery's owners have offered to assist a buyer during a transition period - offering their extensive wine industry experience and commercial industry knowledge.