The Place

The island’s climate is strongly influenced by the surrounding sea. Set in the Hauraki Gulf to the east of Auckland, Waiheke is partially protected from the prevailing colder, wetter west and south-west winds, making it both drier and warmer than the Auckland isthmus. However, given its area of just 92 square kilometres and a coastline of 133.5 kilometres, it is the proximity of the surrounding ocean that most influences the climate from a viticultural standpoint. The ocean acts as both a fan and an insulator. Sea breezes moderate rising temperatures in mid-summer. The ocean moderates falling temperatures at night. In simple terms this means that mean temperatures during the growing season are comparable to much ‘hotter’ regions but without the extremes and, critically, these moderate temperatures extend longer into the early autumn ripening period. The average mean temperature in the last month prior to harvest of Syrah on the island is 19.5°C – right in the middle of the optimal temperature zone for ripening.
Climate influences the speed of ripening and hence the  development of anthocyanins and tannins. Most significantly, late season temperatures determine the critical ripening curve which has more influence on final aroma and complexity than any other factor.The Hay Paddock vineyard is located in the Onetangi Valley in the centre of the island and close to the northern seashore. The valley is protected from the extremes of wind, enjoys maximum exposure to sunshine hours and is frost free.