Our Story
Welcome to Obsidian Wines. We are a boutique wine business nestled on picturesque Waiheke Island. With a passion for crafting exceptional wines and providing a personal tasting experience, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery.
Obsidian is a boutique winery nestled on picturesque Waiheke Island. With a passion for crafting exceptional wines and providing a personal tasting experience, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery.
We are committed to delivering outstanding quality wines that showcase the best of our region, and also offering a selection of varietals less common on Waiheke Island. We pride ourselves on offering distinctive wines such as Montepulciano and Tempranillo, along with excellent Syrah and Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay and Viognier.
Our approach to viticulture and winemaking is uncomplicated. We strive to grow consistently ripe, concentrated, flavourful grapes and to craft them into superb wines for drinking and cellaring. Yields are kept deliberately low to maximise quality.
While Obsidian Wines may be a bit off the beaten path, our vineyard serves as a haven of natural beauty, and a captivating destination for both true wine enthusiasts and people beginning their journey with wine. We take pride in offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of our vineyard while savouring our broad selection of delicious wines.
We are committed to delivering outstanding quality wines that showcase the best of our region, and also offering a selection of varietals less common on Waiheke Island. We pride ourselves on offering distinctive wines such as Montepulciano and Tempranillo, along with excellent Syrah and Bordeaux blends, Chardonnay and Viognier.
Our approach to viticulture and winemaking is uncomplicated. We strive to grow consistently ripe, concentrated, flavourful grapes and to craft them into superb wines for drinking and cellaring. Yields are kept deliberately low to maximise quality.
While Obsidian Wines may be a bit off the beaten path, our vineyard serves as a haven of natural beauty, and a captivating destination for both true wine enthusiasts and people beginning their journey with wine. We take pride in offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of our vineyard while savouring our broad selection of delicious wines.
With a history spanning almost three decades, we have deep roots in the Waiheke wine scene. The vineyard was originally planted in 1993 with the single objective of producing a great Bordeaux-style red.
Since then, the 10-hectares of planted vines, with its four distinctive blocks has seen many changes with new varieties planted and although producing a stylish Bordeaux-style red remains a significant focus at Obsidian, other new and innovative grape varieties have been introduced.
The vineyard has passed through several custodians who have shaped the journey of the property and brand. Currently, Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes are placing their stamp on this well-loved wine business, infusing it with fresh vision and renewed dedication to excellence.
Obsidian derives its name from the shards of obsidian discovered in our vineyard during its initial planting. This unique volcanic glass, not native to Waiheke, was brought from Mayor Island by Māori tribes living in Onetangi. The obsidian was highly valued and was historically utilized by the native Māori for tools.
Our three Bordeaux blends reflect our Obsidian name:
“The Obsidian” is our flagship wine, encompassing the history of our original vineyard plantings.
“The Mayor” pays homage to our connection to the land and its heritage.
And the “Vitreous” describes the glass-like appearance of obsidian rock.
Since then, the 10-hectares of planted vines, with its four distinctive blocks has seen many changes with new varieties planted and although producing a stylish Bordeaux-style red remains a significant focus at Obsidian, other new and innovative grape varieties have been introduced.
The vineyard has passed through several custodians who have shaped the journey of the property and brand. Currently, Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes are placing their stamp on this well-loved wine business, infusing it with fresh vision and renewed dedication to excellence.
Obsidian derives its name from the shards of obsidian discovered in our vineyard during its initial planting. This unique volcanic glass, not native to Waiheke, was brought from Mayor Island by Māori tribes living in Onetangi. The obsidian was highly valued and was historically utilized by the native Māori for tools.
Our three Bordeaux blends reflect our Obsidian name:
“The Obsidian” is our flagship wine, encompassing the history of our original vineyard plantings.
“The Mayor” pays homage to our connection to the land and its heritage.
And the “Vitreous” describes the glass-like appearance of obsidian rock.
