History of Te Mata Estate
The estate’s origins date back to 1896, when John Chambers planted the first vineyards on the Havelock Hills in Hawke’s Bay. Initially, the focus was on Bordeaux-style red varietals, and Te Mata quickly became a pioneering force in the New Zealand wine industry. In 1974, the estate was acquired by the Buck family, marking a new era for Te Mata.
Under the leadership of John Buck, a prominent figure in modern New Zealand winemaking, the estate introduced Coleraine in 1982. Named after Buck’s ancestral home in Northern Ireland, Coleraine became one of the country’s most iconic Bordeaux blends, setting new standards for winemaking in New Zealand. Buck also expanded Te Mata’s wine portfolio with the introduction of Elston Chardonnay in 1984 and Bullnose Syrah in the 1990s.
In 1990, the purchase of Woodthorpe Terraces brought additional diversity to Te Mata’s vineyards. Today, the estate remains a multi-generational family business, with Nicholas and Toby Buck continuing the family legacy. The estate’s success is built on a combination of traditional winemaking techniques and innovative practices, with a focus on producing wines that express the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay.
Region and Vineyards
Te Mata Estate’s vineyards are situated in some of Hawke’s Bay’s most renowned subregions, including the Havelock Hills, Bridge Pā Triangle, and Gimblett Gravels. The region's warm maritime climate and diverse soils provide the ideal conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
The estate’s Woodthorpe Terraces, located at a higher altitude with cooler temperatures, adds complexity to its range, particularly in Elston Chardonnay. The red iron-rich soils of Bullnose and the alluvial gravels of Gimblett Gravels contribute to the distinct character of Te Mata’s wines, reflecting the unique qualities of Hawke’s Bay terroir.
Sustainability is a core value at Te Mata, and the winery is fully accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). All of the estate’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes, ensuring control over the entire production process, from vine to bottle.
Wine Range
Te Mata Estate’s wine portfolio showcases a range of premium wines, each reflecting the estate's commitment to quality and craftsmanship:
- Coleraine: Te Mata’s flagship wine and one of New Zealand’s most iconic Bordeaux blends, known for its complexity, elegance, and ability to age.
- Elston Chardonnay: A rich, complex Chardonnay that has become a benchmark for New Zealand’s white wines.
- Bullnose Syrah: A single-vineyard Syrah with intense fruit and floral-spice notes, crafted from old red iron soils in Hawke’s Bay.
- Awatea: A Bordeaux-style blend designed for earlier drinking, offering similar depth to Coleraine but with softer tannins.
- Estate Vineyards Series: A collection of wines that provide an excellent introduction to Te Mata’s style, representing the diversity of the estate’s vineyards at a more accessible price point.
Did You Know?
Te Mata’s Coleraine was inspired by John Buck’s family heritage, taking its name from the Buck family’s ancestral home in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. The estate is also home to the Bullnose Syrah, named after the Morris Cowley Bullnose car owned by the Buck family, a nod to both history and innovation.
Te Mata is one of the few wineries in New Zealand that produces wines exclusively from estate-grown grapes, ensuring the utmost control over quality and reflecting the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay.
