Māwhitipana Ridge Estate is an oasis of vines planted on a sloping, sunny valley. It is a glance of the sea and hidden countryside, a view to escape in, offering wine that evokes this experience.

As one of the original Māori names on Waiheke, Māwhitipana’s true meaning also lies relatively hidden. One suggestion is that Māwhiti refers to ‘escape’ or ‘glance’. Pana likley refers to 'force' but another consideration is the ‘tea tree berry’ from the native Mānuka this land was thick with. Māwhitipana is the original name for the bay neighbouring our Estate, more commonly known as Palm Beach (named as such in the 1920’s).

How do you pronounce Māwhitipana?
ā — the macron over the ā denotes a long vowel sound — Mā is ‘Maa', wh — is pronounced like an ‘f’ — whiti is ‘fiti’. Maa – fiti – pana

Māwhitipana Ridge Estate was rediscovered as ‘Little Wing’ in 2014 by previous owners, Gillian and Gareth MacLachlan. It was a near abandoned vineyard in a steep sunny valley, almost hidden under the ridgeline, above the sea at Māwhitipana Bay. The MacLachlans set to work resurrecting the site and replanting vines, carefully considering the density, slope, heavy clay soil and aspect. They were passionate about Syrah and Marsanne, planting both. This remains unique and the vineyard is still the biggest producer of Marsanne on the Island.

As Mātawhitipana Ridge Estate, we set out to continue and enhance the legacy of the Estate, respecting the land and site with as little intervention as possible. We aim to restore the terrior; the viticulture and original ecosystems. 

Our philosophy and values are a nod to the past and the future as we commit to a legacy that restores this special part of the island. We strive to live with - and on - the land.

Our journey of discovery started in 2019. Together, we saw a glimpse of the future, where we could combine our corporate, teaching and hands-on backgrounds to craft a life where we could work and bring up our children, and also something special - where we could create ‘awata’ or something worthy in the land and the wine it produces. 

We are two families with one shared passion; a vineyard and lifestyle with a deep commitment to a legacy of kaitiakitanga, a responsibility for protecting and enhancing the land or life force. Our duty is to respect and restore this land to a sustainable future. This is reflected in our wine, which is honest and true to the site and soil, delicious and worthy.