Varieties
In 2007, the first Syrah and Chardonnay vines were planted at The Landing, producing our first vintage in 2010. Since then, additional varieties including Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot have been introduced to the vineyard.
Since our first release, The Landing has produced Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Rosé and Port, earning numerous awards and recognition from leading wine critics.
Further vineyard expansions in 2022 and 2025 added an additional 5 hectares of Chardonnay and Syrah, alongside exciting new varieties such as Albariño and Fiano, reflecting our ongoing commitment to exploring the potential of Northland's unique growing conditions.
Region
When it comes to wine, The Landing has put Northland on the map. The warm and exposed costal climate creates an intensity and complexity of flavor that winemaker, Ben Byrne shapes with a light touch into beautifully balanced wines.
The Landing’s vineyard is sited in a protective cradle of hills, enjoying a sheltered aspect. Through the long, balmy days of summer, sea breezes off Rangihoua Bay keep the vines dry as their roots tunnel deep into the undulating clay and sandstone soils for groundwater, drawing up minerals that give our wines complexity.
Winery
The best place to experience The Landing wines is, of course, at The Landing’s own winery, which opened in 2019.
Designed by Cheshire Architects, the simple, graceful building takes a cue from traditional Māori architectural forms, with a welcoming porch entrance and peaked roof.
All our grapes are estate grown, pressed, fermented, and barrel-aged on-site. Our Tasting Room cellar door is open and available for small-group visits by prior arrangement.
WINEMAKER & VITICULTURALIST
Ben Byrne
Northland born and bred, Ben Byrne joined The Landing in 2019 and has established himself in New Zealand’s wine industry as a sensitive and artistic winemaker with the ability to craft complex and distinctive wines. After completing a degree in viticulture and oenology from Lincoln University, he gained experience in Australia and California before returning to New Zealand to work under award-winning winemaker Rod MacIvor at Marsden Estate while nurturing his own label, Byrne Wines.
At Marsden Estate, Ben first encountered The Landing wine, which was being made there at the time. Ben worked on every vintage from 2012 onwards, getting to know the fruit, and when The Landing’s own winery drew close to completion in 2019, he joined The Landing team as head winemaker, having had input into the design of the new building.
Ben’s winemaking style is led by the grapes, season by season, using a light hand to “see what the fruit is telling us”. He enjoys working at a boutique label where he can guide the wines through every step of the winemaking process from the ground up. This responsive approach coaxes the best from the terroir and has led to The Landing wines gathering numerous gold medals and acclaim from critics.
Assistant Winemaker
Shelley Guildford
Originally from West Auckland, Shelley joined The Landing in 2022 as Assistant Winemaker. Her journey into wine began in her teenage years, working part-time in vineyards—a spark that led her to study Viticulture and Winemaking. She is currently furthering her expertise through additional study in Wine Science.
At The Landing, Shelley divides her time between the vineyard and the winery, gaining hands-on experience across every stage of the winemaking process—from tending the vines to bottling. She thrives on the variety the role offers and enjoys seeing each vintage through from beginning to end.
CONSULTANT WINEMAKER
Warren Gibson
One of New Zealand’s top winemakers, Warren Gibson is renowned for creating wines with a true sense of place. A former New Zealand Winemaker of the Year and a highly experienced wine show judge, as well as winemaker at Trinity Hill and Bilancia Wines, Warren contributes ongoing insight and a deep understanding of terroir that help shape the unique character and flair of The Landing wine. He also co-hosts the bi-annual Weekend with the Winemakers at The Landing alongside Ben Byrne.
