WINERY
With the iconic Bay of Islands stretching out across the horizon, Paroa Bay is a sheltered inlet enveloped by a perfectly irregular peninsula. At the bay’s centre, mangroves quickly become marsh, followed by a series of creeks that carve through the ancient clay of the surrounding hills. The vineyard borders two of these creeks in a natural amphitheatre that encompasses every sun drenched aspect.
The relatively small plantings began in 2006 and to this day youthfulness still dominates, with the vines now emulating the native Kauri forests that were once the custodians of the hills.
The sense of youth and exploration extends to the winery which is nestled in the heart of the vineyard. Producing a number of varieties in a range of styles, we are refining our wine growing approach constantly, searching for the highest quality and the most honest expression of the site.
Attempts to control the fruits of this beautiful and wild place are futile, therefore every aspect of production must be fluid. Our winemaking processes listens to the land, while tapping into a vast wealth of knowledge of tradition and technology — using dynamic combinations of all inputs, and a lot of hard graft, to create a refined and unique finished product.
Paroa Bay Winery was born from a desire to produce the best wine in Northland while supporting its environment and people. We believe we are well on our way.
Paroa Bay Wines are all grown, handpicked, made & bottled onsite.
2023 Leeward Chardonnay
Reflecting the maritime influence of Paroa Bay, Leeward Chardonnay is the fresh, lush counterpart to our rich and bold flagship Windward Chardonnay. Whole bunch pressed and fermented spontaneously; the wine spends 10 months on yeast lees without malolactic fermentation.
Lime gold in colour, it opens with fresh pineapple, sweet peach, and white blossom aromas, evolving into sea spray and dry hay. The palate is refreshing, with notes of roasted apricot, honey toast, and cream, making it an everyday Chardonnay with coastal charm.
Paul’s recommendation: Best enjoyed on a warm summer day.
Alcohol: 12.0%
Compass Red Blend 2022
Like the instrument this wine is named after, our Compass red blend is at the helm and helps steer our red winegrowing. Due to the variable nature of our Northland climate the only thing set in stone from vintage to vintage is the high quality of the fruit that goes into it and a clear vision of making a wine that is full bodied and engaging for many years in bottle.
Ruby red in colour with deep crimson hues. This wine exhibits a wide spectrum of fruit aromas from red apple through to blueberry and blackcurrant. The fruit is match with near equal savory notes of dry cedar, mixed spiced and nori. This wine is very youthful with the tannins still exhibiting a chewy texture however the sweet red fruit core of the wine helps balance this and allows the wine to be enjoyed by itself or ideally with some robust cuisine. This wine will only improve further with extended aging.
Alc. 13.4%
2024 Pinot Gris
After a decade of careful cultivation, Paroa Bay’s first-ever Pinot Gris has finally arrived. The dense clay soils of our vineyard yield a low crop but a rich, concentrated fruit, resulting in a dry, opulent wine that truly reflects the varietal’s potential in Northland.
Pale lemon yellow in color, it offers classic pear, lychee, and apple crumble aromas. The palate is rich and oily, with rose water flavors and a sweet-scented finish, balanced by modest acidity and drying phenolics. A long-awaited addition to our range, this Pinot Gris is a true contrast to our other wines.
Paul’s recommendation: A must-try this season.
Alcohol: 14.5%
2024 Sauvignon Blanc
With two distinct blocks of Sauvignon Blanc vines positioned on opposing slopes, Paroa Bay’s vineyard provides a unique contrast in fruit character. The south-facing Block 2 delivers punchy aromatics and soft acidity, while the north-facing Block 6 offers ripeness and depth. Fermented separately—Block 2 in old barriques and Block 6 in stainless steel—this blend is bottled with minimal intervention.
Pale gold with green hues, the wine reveals aromas of apple, Thai herbs, and ocean brine. Crisp green apple, banana, and sweet lime flavors fill the mouth, creating a balanced and versatile Sauvignon Blanc.
Paul’s recommendation: A perfect match for any seafood dish at Sage.
Alcohol: 13.8%
2023 Tempest Red Blend
Born from the unpredictable sub-tropical climate of Paroa Bay, Tempest embodies adaptability in both vineyard and winery. Crafted during the challenging 2023 season, this red blend serves as the alter ego to our beloved Compass.
After 12 months in aged oak barriques, this wine presents a light red earth colour, with bright aromas of raspberry and orange, followed by complex notes of five spice, open fire, and white pepper. The palate is featherlight with soft acidity and plush tannins, making it a versatile and satisfying early-drinking wine—perfect for any occasion.
Paul’s recommendation: Enjoy this red served slightly chilled for a refreshing change.
Alcohol: 12.0%
Blend: 36.7% Syrah, 32.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24.3% Cabernet Franc, 6.1% Merlot
2020 Night Watch
A long time coming, Night Watch follows the nautical theme of our wines. A robust red wine from the 2020 harvest was fortified with brandy spirit and aged in barrels for three years.
Bright red fruit characters lead this youthful port, complemented by drying tannins and balanced sweetness. While enjoyable now, this port promises to reward those who choose to cellar it for extended aging.
Paul’s recommendation: Enjoy as a night cap with ice cream and makes for a great gift.
Alcohol: 18.5%
Windward Chardonnay 2022
Windward is our flagship. Over a third of our vineyard is dedicated to Chardonnay, with five different clones grown across five sub-blocks, creating small, individual parcels that are blended into the final wine. The grapes are whole bunch pressed into 35% new oak barrels and spend nine months in barrel.
Light and honey gold in colour. Engaging aromas on the nose of flint, peat smoke, pineapple, lime and roasted peaches. On the palate- mineral elements merge with refreshing grapefruit pith and sweet stone fruit all finished with and balanced by keystone acidity. This wine is tightly coiled and will reward extended cellaring and time in the glass.
Winery Recommendations: Our flagship wine, worthy of any special occasion
Alcohol: 13.7%
Syrah 2022
After over a decade establishing in our ancient clay slopes, our Syrah is now producing wines with both structure and grace on a consistent basis. Syrah is a variety renown for its floppy growth habit and this along with other attributes means we must tend to it meticulously in the vineyard throughout the season to ensure the fruit is at optimum ripeness and condition come harvest time.
Deep crimson red colour with scarlet hues. Lifted red fruits and cracked pepper in the glass, with time iodine and forest floor characters emerge. To the taste- sweet red fruits, engaging acidity and moderate astringency all combine in harmony to create a wine that would pair with a wide variety flavorsome fair.
Alc. 13.2%