Te Whau Winery

1 Jan

Breathtaking 360-degree views, stunning architecture, exquisite food and New Zealand's largest wine list, including its own 5-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and cafe has rapidly become a Waiheke Island landmark.

The brief called for architecture that did justice to the setting, but also created a practical and functional working winery and cafe. As a result, the building is set into the hill with each of its floors having external ground contact.

The striking three-level winery was specifically sited to take advantage of spectacular views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf. Built into the steep western slope of Te Whau Point, it stands as a sentinel beckoning wine lovers.

The upper level contains the main entry, cafe, wine-tasting bar and terrace, while the lower two levels house the production areas of the winery, and an apartment for the owner's family. The lower level extends back under the hill to create a constant-temperature wine maturation cellar.

The building is ovoid, intersected by the rectangular form of the circulation spine slicing through the short axis of the building. This is apparent in the plan at each level, and externally where the sloping roofs of each end of the ovoid fall to the flat-roofed spine.

Location
Waiheke Island, Auckland

Date Completed
2009

Client
Te Whau Winery