Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region

There are so many amazing wineries scattered across Nelson Tasman that choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve gathered our top picks for the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region – places that deliver not just delicious wine but also a sense of place and story.

For us, a must-visit is Tohu Wines. Their Pinot Noir is our personal favourite – smooth, rich and beautifully balanced. On a hot summer day though, we often swap to their Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and refreshing after time spent exploring the coast. Each winery on this list offers its own character but all reflect the sunshine, creativity and charm that make the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region worth discovering.

Whether you’re looking for a long lunch under the vines, a boutique tasting, or bottles to take home, the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region promise a journey of flavour, connection and relaxation.

1. Tohu Wines – A Must on the List

As we mentioned in the introduction, Tohu Wines is our favourite among the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region. Their Pinot Noir is a standout for its depth and balance, while their Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect pick on a hot summer’s day.

Beyond the wine, what makes Tohu so special is their story. They are the world’s first Māori-owned wine company, weaving together whenua (land), whānau (family) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in every bottle.

Highlights at Tohu Wines:
  • 🍷 Award-winning Pinot Noir and fresh Sauvignon Blanc
  • 🌿 Deep commitment to sustainability and guardianship of the land
  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A unique connection between people, culture and place
  • 📍 Located in the sunny Nelson Tasman wine country

With its blend of world-class wine and cultural authenticity, Tohu is more than a vineyard – it’s a story you taste in every sip, and it deserves its place at the top of the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

2. Seifried Estate – A Nelson Classic

Seifried Estate is one of the most iconic names among the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region. Founded in 1973 by Austrian-born Hermann Seifried and his wife Agnes, it was the very first commercial vineyard in Nelson. Their pioneering spirit shaped the region’s wine story and today the family continues to produce wines that reflect both heritage and innovation.

At the cellar door, you’ll find a wide selection to taste from bright Sauvignon Blanc to full-bodied Chardonnay, along with aromatic Riesling and elegant Pinot Noir. Their wines consistently win awards, showing how Nelson Tasman’s sunshine and soils create distinct character in every bottle.

Highlights at Seifried Estate:
  • 🍇 Family-owned since 1973, the first commercial vineyard in Nelson
  • 🍷 Wide range of varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir
  • 🌞 Known for capturing Nelson Tasman’s sunshine and flavour
  • 🏡 Spacious cellar door perfect for tastings and picking up a bottle or two

With its long history and strong family roots, Seifried Estate remains a must-visit and a proud part of the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

3. Neudorf Vineyards – Boutique Excellence

Tucked away in the rolling Moutere Hills, Neudorf Vineyards is a boutique gem and a standout among the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region. Established in the late 1970s, Neudorf has earned a reputation for producing wines with elegance, balance and depth that reflect both the soil and the sunshine of this unique area.

Their Chardonnay is often the star of the show, with rich layers and crisp acidity that place it among the finest in New Zealand. Add to that a beautifully made Pinot Noir, along with small-batch Riesling, Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc and you’ve got a winery that punches far above its size.

Highlights at Neudorf Vineyards:
  • 🍇 Renowned for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • 🌿 Focus on organic and sustainable practices
  • 🍷 Boutique wines with intensity and character
  • 🏡 A charming cellar door in the peaceful Moutere Hills

Neudorf is all about quality over quantity — every sip feels carefully crafted, making it one of the must-visit names on the list of the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

4. Flaxmore Vineyards – Boutique & Personal

If you love a more intimate tasting experience, Flaxmore Vineyards in Upper Moutere is a perfect stop on your wine journey. This small, family-run vineyard proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to quality, earning its place among the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

What makes Flaxmore special is the personal touch. Tastings are often hosted by the owners themselves, giving you the chance to hear the stories behind each bottle while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Moutere Hills. The wines are crafted with care, with standouts including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé.

Highlights at Flaxmore Vineyards:
  • 🍷 Boutique range: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé
  • 🌿 Family-owned with a warm, personal tasting style
  • 🏞️ Set in the scenic Moutere Hills
  • ✨ Known for a welcoming atmosphere and handcrafted wines

Flaxmore feels less like a commercial stop and more like being welcomed into someone’s home and that charm makes it unforgettable among the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

5. Waimea Estates – Sunshine in a Glass

Located on the Waimea Plains, Waimea Estates is one of the region’s larger and better-known wineries, offering a wide portfolio that reflects the sunshine and fertile soils of Nelson Tasman. Their wines are approachable, vibrant and consistently recognised, making Waimea a staple in the list of the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

The cellar door showcases bright Sauvignon Blanc, fresh Pinot Gris and elegant Pinot Noir. They’re also well regarded for their aromatic Rieslings and Chardonnays, which thrive in Nelson’s long sunshine hours. With plenty of outdoor space and a relaxed setting, it’s an easy stop for both serious wine lovers and casual tasters.

Highlights at Waimea Estates:
  • 🍇 Wide range of wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling
  • 🌞 Known for capturing the sunshine flavours of Nelson
  • 🏡 Relaxed cellar door experience in the Waimea Plains
  • 🏆 Consistently produces award-winning vintages

Waimea strikes a perfect balance offering the scale and consistency of a larger winery but still carrying the character and warmth that define the Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region.

Closing Thoughts

The Best Wineries in Abel Tasman Region showcase not only incredible wines but also the diversity and creativity of Nelson Tasman. From the pioneering Seifried family to the boutique elegance of Neudorf and Flaxmore, and the established sunshine-driven wines of Waimea, each stop offers a chance to taste the land in a glass. Pair that with the cultural heart of Tohu Wines and you’ve got a wine journey that celebrates flavour, history and connection.

“Tāwhirimātea kei runga, he rā ka puta ki waho.”
Though Tāwhirimātea (the weather god) may be above, the sun will always shine through.