Kumeu River was a pioneer of the New Zealand winemaking industry, established in 1944 when the Brajkovich family settled at Kumeu just outside of Auckland. The estate makes some of New Zealand's finest Chardonnay and is equally adept at some of the more esoteric varietals. All their offerings have shown well at competitions and they excel at Pinot Gris. The estate's Auckland vineyards enjoy beautiful ripening conditions, encouraging the fruit to achieve a level of rich concentration and luscious textures, a very layered and complex Pinot Gris wine.

Kumeu River endeavours to grow grapes of the highest standard and then treat them with respect, painstakingly turning the finest fruit into outstanding wine. The quality is maximised to the fullest extent, delivering wines that are truly representative of the land. Faulty berries are removed in the field, and the best grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Hand picked, bunch pressed Pinot Gris is treated to a wild indigenous yeast vinification over an extended period, followed by partial malolactic. Ferments are arrested before completely dry, several grams per litre of residual sugar are hardly noticeable due to the concentration of flavour and textural richness.