Man O' War

About Man O' War Vineyards

Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, Man O’ War boasts a pristine and beautiful spread of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and stunning beaches. Perfect natural conditions together with high winemaking skills attribute to the success of Man O'War wines. Dramatic scenery and panoramic views are all around when you visit the island home of the Man O' War vineyards.

"Man O’ War is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s greatest wineries in the making and one to watch." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown für Robert Parkers Wine Advocate
 

"Adventurous, individual wines that talk loudly of vintage and place." - Bob Campbell MW
 

"Man O’ War – sensational Syrah from New Zealand." - Dr. Jamie Goode

The name Man O' War

It was along this coastline that Captain James Cook came to anchor during his first voyage around the islands of New Zealand in 1769. Upon sighting the ancient stands of magnificent Kauri trees ashore, Cook noted in his journals that they would make ideal masts for the Man O’ War warships of the Royal Navy. Thus the name Man O’ War was bestowed upon this unique land.

Man O' War vineyards

Over two hundred years after Cook first sighted Man O’ War, the Spencer family was convinced that world-class wine could be grown here. Throwing caution to the wind the first vines were planted in 1993.

Today, Man O’ War is still a family business and consists of 60 ha of vines planted in 75 individual hillside blocks, each with a distinct soil profile and microclimate.

Every single block bears the footprints, and sometimes the names, of those who transformed Man O’ War’s rugged hillsides into a spectacular patchwork of vines. Each block has been meticulously designed with different rootstocks, clones and planting densities to best match the specific terroir on offer.

Each small parcel of vines is carefully tended and harvested by hand, then vinified separately, fusing classic Old World techniques with innovative New World ideas.

Man O' War: Sustainability Born of Passion

At Man O' War, environmental protection is not just a word, but a living philosophy. The winery practices sustainable viticulture in harmony with nature. Alongside the meticulously tended vineyards, you will also find sheep, cattle, flourishing orchards, olive groves, restored native forests, and buzzing beehives on the extensive estate.

The commitment to the environment is also reflected in impressive figures: Over 150,000 native trees have been planted here, and more than 1,000 hectares of bushland successfully reforested. This creates a unique ecosystem that naturally enhances the quality of our wines while preserving the beauty of New Zealand for future generations.