Robyn and Nicholas Jones are the owners and operators of Mudbrick, a vineyard and restaurant located on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. They have been in business for over 27 years, having started the venture in 1992 with the goal of establishing a vineyard and living off the land. Despite having no previous experience in winemaking or hospitality, the couple has successfully grown their business with a customer-focused approach. They began planting vines on the property in 1992, and over the past 29 years, they have expanded to four different vineyard sites on Waiheke Island. These sites, the Mudbrick Vineyard, Hawke’s Crest, Shepherds Point, and Sea View Road, are home to a variety of red and white grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah. In addition to these, they also grow Cabernet franc, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Albariño, and Petit Verdot. In order to produce a diverse range of wines, they also source grapes from other regions in New Zealand, such as Marlborough and Central Otago.
At Mudbrick, the Joneses prioritize traditional winemaking techniques in order to produce high-quality wines with unique flavors and aromas. This includes handpicking their grapes, which they believe allows them to select only the ripest and most flavorful fruit. They also use hand plunging, a method in which they manually mix the fermenting wines and break up the grape skins to extract flavor and color, rather than using mechanical pumps. Finally, they use gentle basket pressing, which helps to minimize the amount of sediment and tannins in the wine. They believe that these methods, while more labor-intensive, result in wines with greater depth and character. In addition to their traditional techniques, they also utilize modern technology, such as temperature-controlled fermentation tanks, to ensure consistency and quality in their wines.
In addition to their winery, the Joneses also operate a restaurant on the Mudbrick property, offering a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and dishes paired with their wines. They strive to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for their guests and have received praise for the high quality of both their food and their wines. Over the years, Mudbrick has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and the Joneses are proud of the reputation they have built for their vineyard and restaurant. As they approach retirement age, they reflect on the past 27 years of running the restaurant and 29 years of planting and nurturing their vines. Despite the challenges they have faced, such as the loss of Robyn’s mother, Ann, who was a key figure in the early days of Mudbrick and a source of support and inspiration, they remain passionate about their work and are grateful for the opportunity to share their love of fine wine and food with others. They hope that their guests will also come to appreciate the dedication and care that goes into every bottle of wine and every dish served at Mudbrick.
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Annabelle Gibson
2 weeks agoWining and Dining at Mudbrick: A Delightful Experience We arrived at Mudbrick, driving up the picturesque driveway, which at the end - welcomed us with trimmed hedges and fragrant lavender and rosemary bushes surrounding the venue - so serene and beautiful! Their restaurant is a stunning blend of sophistication and charm, with meticulously set tables upon rustic brick floors, offering a breathtaking view of Rangitoto and the glistening sea beyond. We decided to indulge in the two-course à la carte menu. I started with the dry-aged duck, which was for sure a treat. The dish came with a crispy croquette of pulled duck, duck topped with prosciutto, and a luscious korma sauce that added a depth of flavour. The Pav was a stunning work of art: crispy meringue, cream, and gorgeous flowers garnishing the top – the dish was almost too pretty to eat (spoiler alert: I ate it and thoroughly enjoyed it). We enjoyed two glasses of wine each. I opted for the Mudbrick Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, and both were delightful. What truly elevated the experience, though, was the service. The staff were attentive by taking the time to explain the menu and each dish/wine with such care and detail. This really made the whole experience feel even more special. I can’t wait to return to Mudbrick – the sunset bar and the cellar door are definitely on my list for next time! If you're looking for a beautiful spot to wine and dine with a stunning view, I highly recommend this place.
Komal Parbhu
3 weeks agoAbsolutely outstanding! The food was phenomenal—every dish was beautifully crafted and full of flavour. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who went above and beyond to make Phil’s birthday extra special. And the atmosphere? It felt like we had stepped into a completely different world—truly magical. The bonus highlight was getting to meet the chef, which made the experience even more unforgettable. Highly recommend Mudbrick for a truly special occasion!
Tucker
a month agoDay tripped here first day in Auckland. Very easy to take the ferry then either walk / bus / or take taxi to restaurant. We took a bus then walked. Food was terrific. Setting is beautiful. Wine was delicious. Good service. Took a 12pm ferry and had plenty of time to return on the 4Pm.
Thea Caliva
a week agoBeautiful setting, but unfortunately the experience didn’t match the price. The food and drinks were ridiculously overpriced, paid $64 for the eye fillet and the portion was surprisingly small. The cocktail didn’t taste good, and the waiting time was longer than expected. Definitely expected more given the price point.
Christopher Stokoe
2 weeks agoWe arrived mid arvo on a Friday, and what a fab couple of hours. Great view, the service was friendly, and the food was great. We had a couple of mains (shared) and a cheese board. It was a beautiful sunny spot and the umbrellas were appreciated offering some shade.