Over two hundred years after Cook first sighted Man O’ War bay on Waiheke Island, the owners became convinced that world class wine could be grown there.

With the first vines being planted in 1993, Man O’ War now consists of 150 acres of vines planted in 76 individual hillside blocks, each with a distinct soil profile and micro climate. Driven by the blueprint of its surroundings, white varieties have been carefully placed high on the exposed volcanic hilltops of Man O’ War so that they benefit from cooling sea breezes, extending their growing season and giving them great concentration and minerality. Red varieties are draped down precipitously steep sheltered clay hillsides enjoying the heat and drainage provided, promoting serious intensity and depth.