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The front view of Kumeu River winery in New Zealand shows a cream-coloured building with arched entrances, surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Kumeu River

Since 1944, Kumeu River has quietly set the benchmark for New Zealand Chardonnay. Founded by Maté Brajkovich and refined by his son Michael—New Zealand’s first Master of Wine—the estate combines meticulous viticulture with a deep respect for tradition, producing wines that consistently earn international acclaim.

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A family legacy

Maté Brajkovich, born in Dalmatia, arrived in New Zealand in 1938. Six years later, he and his parents planted the vineyard that would become Kumeu River. The estate remains a family endeavour, blending tradition with careful innovation. Michael took over in 1982, introducing improvements that transformed the vineyard. From advanced drainage and grassed vine rows to the Lyre trellis system, his innovations elevated both the quality and character of the fruit.

Chardonnays of distinction

The Kumeu River and Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnays are regarded as some of New Zealand’s finest. Their elegance and consistency have earned consecutive spots in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World, cementing the estate’s reputation for excellence. While deeply rooted in local terroir, Kumeu River’s wines enjoy a global reputation, combining precise winemaking with a uniquely New Zealand expression of Chardonnay.