Maori Point: The Story Behind the Name

Maori Point Wines is nestled in the picturesque valley of Mata-Au, alongside the Clutha River and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. The name "Maori" pays homage to the indigenous Polynesian people who inhabited this land long before European settlers arrived. In the 1860s, gold prospectors flocked to this area, seeking fortune. The winery's name reflects this rich history: Maori Point – a place where Maori gold is hidden. Can wine be considered a treasure?

A Commitment to Sustainability

Maori Point Wines is led by a team of dedicated wine professionals: Dr. Marilyn Duxson, Dr. John Harris, and Matt Evans. With extensive backgrounds in winemaking and viticulture, they prioritize sustainable practices. The vineyards are meticulously handcrafted with minimal intervention, ensuring the preservation of local flora and fauna. Honeybees thrive on the property, and aromatic plants flourish between the vine rows. The winery also follows a no-waste philosophy, repurposing grape stems, skins, and seeds as compost for the vines.

Award-Winning Wines

Maori Point Wines has garnered numerous international awards, a testament to their commitment to quality and sustainability. Wine critics often highlight their exceptional Pinot Noir. Sandra Kim praised their Pinot Noir, describing it as “Silky, seamless and seductive, this gorgeous pinot is filled with dark fruit, smoked meat, roasted almond, and earthy mushroom notes with a hint of thyme complexity.”

Experiences to book at Maori Point Wines

Top reviews

Tim
November 17, 2024
Really good winery. Great for those who like bold flavor wines. Wine menu is extensive and wines are all high quality. Wine tasting is $15 for 6 wines, you choose the wines, waived a purchase of any bottle. Normal sized pours. Service is very good. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Tasting room is small, but they have a patio area as well. Highly recommend
Dan Knapp
February 26, 2024
We drove past this vineyard on our way to Wanaka and decided to stop in, what a great decision it was! We did a 6 wine tasting and got to taste some amazing wines, we bought a couple of bottles which meant the tasting was free too! Our favourites were the Pino Gris and the Pino Noir, their late harvest Pino Gris is also amazing too if you like a sweet desert wine 🍷
See more reviews

Location

Location 413 Maori Point Road, Tarras, Otago, 9347,New Zealand

Region

Central Otago, New Zealand

Spoken Languages

Services

Reduced Mobility Access
Kids Activities
Pets Allowed
Bus Parking

Wine types

Red Wine
White Wine
Rose Wine
Orange Wine
Sparkling Wine
Sweet Wine
Fortified Wine
Spirits

Grape varieties

Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Chardonnay

Other wineries in Central Otago

Discover cities near Maori Point Wines

Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about Maori Point Wines

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Maori Point Wines.

Write a review
4.8 /5
5
4
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Reviews (5)

Catharina Hoogkamer
Reviewed on February 16, 2025

A warm welcome by the passionate winegrowers ( scientists) and their team at the amazing “ Vineyard Māori Point” based in Central Otago region, New Zealand. Yesterday we were part of a fantastic wine future event. It was a visual and an educational experience. Tasting the incredible wine from the 23 years old wine estate. For years we visited vineyards in France and Spain but this was really the highlight of wine tasting tours ever. We started the sessions in three small groups with the Vineyard Ecosytem walk. We learned about wine science and vertical tasting. We ended up with the winery tour and Barrel tasting. We experienced and learned about a range of high quality “ Māori Point Wines”. At the end of the sessions the three groups came together to chat and enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious cheeseboard with bread and crackers and dips. Finally a tasting of port and grappa and home-made liqueur with chocolate and yammie brownies. Thanks to Marilyn and John and their dedicated team! Cheers🍷

Review provided by Google

Tim
Reviewed on November 17, 2024

Really good winery. Great for those who like bold flavor wines. Wine menu is extensive and wines are all high quality. Wine tasting is $15 for 6 wines, you choose the wines, waived a purchase of any bottle. Normal sized pours. Service is very good. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Tasting room is small, but they have a patio area as well. Highly recommend

Review provided by Google

Dan Knapp
Reviewed on February 26, 2024

We drove past this vineyard on our way to Wanaka and decided to stop in, what a great decision it was! We did a 6 wine tasting and got to taste some amazing wines, we bought a couple of bottles which meant the tasting was free too! Our favourites were the Pino Gris and the Pino Noir, their late harvest Pino Gris is also amazing too if you like a sweet desert wine 🍷

Review provided by Google

Seoyeon Lee
Reviewed on February 25, 2024

Wine we tried was amazing! Wanna meet this wine in Korea too soon❤️ I can feel how Matt feels proud of this place and wine he makes ! it was a lovely experience ❤️ Please visit this place and have wonderful experiences with lovely wine makers❤️ From Tom and Jerry ❤️

Review provided by Google

Michelle Chai
Reviewed on November 16, 2023

Nice place to explore the local wine Suppose have to make appointments first but we just randomly walked in to try our luck. Lucky that the owner is around and happily intro us their wines.

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about Maori Point Wines

What type of wines does Maori Point Wines produce?

Maori Point Wines produces Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine, Orange Wine, Sparkling Wine, Sweet Wine, Fortified Wine, Spirits.

What grape varieties do they plant at Maori Point Wines?

At Maori Point Wines, they cultivate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay.

What languages do they speak at the Maori Point Wines?

At Maori Point Wines they speak English, French.

Do they produce organic wines at Maori Point Wines?

No, Maori Point Wines is not an organic wine producer.