Kumeu River Wines

The estate was established in 1944 by Mick and Katé Brajkovich under the name San Marino Vineyards. The family had emigrated from Croatia to New Zealand in 1937, initially working in the kauri gum fields before purchasing the property in the Kumeu region. Following Mick's death in 1949, his son Maté took over management and later spearheaded the move toward international grape varieties. The winery was renamed Kumeu River Wines in 1986 to better reflect its regional focus. Today, the business remains family owned and is managed by the third generation, including Michael Brajkovich MW, who serves as the head winemaker, along with his siblings Milan, Paul, and Marijana. In 2017, the family expanded their holdings by acquiring the Rays Road vineyard in the Hawke's Bay region.

The vineyards are situated approximately 30 kilometers northwest of central Auckland on heavy clay soils that sit over a base of sandstone. This soil structure is notable for its ability to retain moisture, which allows the estate to practice non-irrigated viticulture even during dry periods. The local climate is cool and maritime, influenced by the proximity of both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Winemaking for the white wines typically involves hand harvesting followed by whole bunch pressing. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts, and the wines usually undergo complete malolactic fermentation to balance their natural acidity.

The producer is recognized for its production of Chardonnay, which is frequently compared to the wines of Burgundy in quality and style. This standing was reinforced by a prominent 2015 blind tasting in London where the estate's Chardonnays were ranked above several top-tier French labels. The portfolio features specific single vineyard bottlings such as Hunting Hill, Coddington, and the flagship Mate's Vineyard, which was named in honor of Maté Brajkovich and planted in 1990. While Chardonnay is the primary focus, the winery also produces Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and a traditional method sparkling wine. Their 2020 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay was named Wine of the Year by James Suckling in 2021, marking a first for a New Zealand white wine.