Te Motu is a family-owned boutique vineyard at 76 Onetangi Road, overlooking the Onetangi Valley on Waiheke Island. The vines were planted in 1989, and the name comes from the Māori name for Waiheke, Te Motu Arai Roa, meaning "island of long shelter". The estate is home to an award-winning restaurant in a relaxed, modern-rustic setting among the vines, with seating inside or outside. Its kitchen uses local ingredients and produce from the on-site gardens. The wines are Bordeaux-style reds from low-yielding vines, and visitors can sample aged reds that are not often readily available.
The website invites families to bring the children, walk the Onetangi Valley trail, or stay for a glass as the sun sets over the ridge. Recent news: the vineyard's wine club offered members its 2018 flagship, made from six barrels and about 1,800 bottles, with memberships strictly limited. Our pick on Waiheke for a glass of Bordeaux-style red at sunset.