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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Joyce Wang
a month ago⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had a wonderful experience at Tantalus Estate! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was exceptional. What impressed me the most was the restaurant’s consistency in delivering an outstanding menu. We first visited a year ago and were blown away by the delicious food. Coming back this time, we were thrilled to find the same high standards—every dish was amazing! It’s rare to find a place that maintains such excellence over time. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-tier dining experience!
Pwint Phyo Myat Su
2 months agoWe had a really pleasant dining experience for lunch with family. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were 10 minutes early, which seemed to upset the general manager. After we entered, he locked the restaurant door behind us, so we decided to take a stroll around the grape vineyard while we waited. When it was time to be seated, he asked us to sit outside, but he still looked unhappy. However, it started to rain, so we requested to sit inside the restaurant instead. Luckily, we met Orlando, who truly made our day. He explained our order and drinks very well, and thanks to him, we ended up having a great time. We were fortunate to have him there to ensure we had a pleasant dining experience.
Wendy Nguyen
a month agoCame here for a brunch and it was good! Appreciated that it's pet friendly as we bought our dog and he was able to sit in the shade with a bowl of water. Truffle fries were a hit and the cheeseboard was a good size to share within the group. Recommend the pork belly and beef fillet!
Nichole Peterson
a week agoStunning tasting room! Really beautiful atmosphere. We enjoyed our time wine and beer tasting here. Very much appreciated that they had beer as my husband doesn't like many wines (he was more than happy to come tasting with me)! Thanks for a wonderful visit.
Leon B
3 weeks ago**★★★★★ Stunning Winery & Amazing Atmosphere!** Tantalus Winery is an absolute gem! The wine selection is excellent, and they also have beer for those who don’t drink. The views are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed. Plenty of shaded spots to sit back and enjoy the experience. A must-visit—highly recommend!