I was reading a website a few days ago that referred to the old Antipodean vineyard (now Mount Tamahunga vineyard) was the oldest in the area. despite quite a search, I can’t remember what the site was and I can’t find the reference. However, it’s not the oldest vineyard site in the region.

Depending on where you draw the boundary for the region there have been several vineyards. I’m not 100% certain of the exact details of these sites so I would appreciate some feedback if anyone knows anything.

There was one at Snells Beach I believe, owned by Peter Unkovich (I think) who sold wines produced from it in Snells and Warkworth. I think this was in operation in the 1960′s and 70′s, possibly into the 80′s.

There was also a vineyard at Komokoriki which is west of Warkworth as late as the mid 1980′s but could have been planted in the mid 1970′s. It was owned by the Bridge family, I think the grapes were sold to Montana.

Another I know existed, was my great grand fathers which was somewhere in Point Wells prior to the first World War.

Of course one should not forget the Levet’s vineyard at Te Hana north of Wellsford, established in 1863. Although probably not close enough to be called part of the region it’s significance as New Zealands first commercial vineyard and winery should not be forgotten given the relative proximity (21km in a straight line from Matakana).