Tantalus Estate is a premier winery located in the Onetangi Valley on Waiheke Island, an internationally recognized wine growing region just 18km east of Auckland. Founded in 2013, the estate spans 8.3 hectares of established vineyards at an elevation of 12 to 61 meters above sea level. Waiheke Island’s climate, protected from cold and wet winds by ridgelines to the west and southwest, is drier and hotter than the mainland and well-suited to growing premium grapes.
Tantalus Estate has undergone extensive replanting and re-grafting, with a focus on site-specific clonal selection for the best results. The vines grow in sandy soil with deposits of iron and manganese oxide, and the estate has worked to improve the wetland and forested areas by planting native species and removing exotic plants and weeds. As a result, the estate has become a haven for a variety of birds and insects.
In addition to the vineyards, Tantalus Estate offers a range of dining options for visitors. The main restaurant features natural materials and plenty of light, and the private dining room has a quaint, olde world feel with hand-painted tile walls and chandeliers crafted from old vines. From the mezzanine balcony, guests can also catch a glimpse of the craft brewery on the floor below. The estate’s menu emphasizes seasonality and the provenance of ingredients, with refined dishes featuring bold flavors. The combination of food, wine, and sweeping views of the vineyard and valley make for an enchanting and memorable dining experience.
Private tours and tastings are also available at Tantalus Estate. The private dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests for seated events or 30 for cocktail functions, and the downstairs brewer’s lounge can seat 40 guests or host up to 60 for a cocktail function. To arrange a tour or discuss function requirements, guests can contact the estate’s Events Manager, Trish Ingram.
Tantalus Estate’s owners, Carrie and Campbell, have taken a holistic approach to their enterprise, striving for biodiversity and a positive impact on the ecosystem as a whole. This includes careful resource management, such as water recycling and minimization, and the promotion of beneficial species. The vineyards have been carefully managed to produce wine of the highest quality, and the estate’s limited release wines have received notable acclaim from critics and guests alike. The award-winning Cheshire Architects designed the winery’s buildings, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
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Trudi Cochrane
a month agoWorld class venue hidden on Waiheke Island. The most stunning ambient surroundings, beautifully designed architecture and interior design. Not to mention the most amazing fine dining food by world class chef served by well skilled servers who create a perfect dining experience. Wine made on the property is of exceptional standards also. Many different spaces to enjoy, whether a casual bite downstairs at alibi or private dining venues. Relaxed garden spaces also. I adore this place! Heli pad if arriving by air. Only 10mins from ferry also.
Kristina Kokonis
7 months agoThe wine and the food at Tantalus was delicious, but what really made it special was the service. I visited the vineyard with my parents, and all of us felt that the hospitality we enjoyed here was some of the best we’ve ever experienced. We had Wendy as our server, and she was absolutely lovely! She consistently went above and beyond for us. If I ever visit New Zealand again, I would love to go back to Tantalus ☺️
Julie Evans
5 months agoAbsolutely sensational. Definitely one of the best meals we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Service was fantastic and the ambience was just perfect.
Sarah Cincotta
4 months agoThere are not many times in life that you will be surprised as you get older however the entire experience at Tantalus was a surprise. The team was welcoming, knowledgeable in every detail of the menu and wine, and accommodating. The food was just divine, a surprise in every bite. Thank you for creating a memorable experience in our baby moon.
Lynn Liu
5 months ago#Winery# The grapes are originally native，the wine has a more spicy and peppery flavor. The service here is really great，you can get the story of every wine. There are three choices of wine tasty，from 20pp to 40pp.