About Soljans Estate Winery
Soljans Estate is a family winery on State Highway 16 in Kumeū, about 20 minutes' drive from central Auckland. The family story starts with Bartul and Rakalina Soljan, who arrived in Auckland from Croatia with their five children in 1927, and the winery has been family owned and run since 1937. Tony Soljan of the third generation and Tyler Soljan of the fifth often lead the tours, and the gift shop is stocked by Colleen Soljan.
The cellar door is open every day from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and walk-ins are welcome for a standard tasting at $20 per person. It is the only place that carries the whole range, from the everyday Estate wines to the Barrique Reserve, sparkling and Heritage Collection bottlings. For a look behind the scenes, the 15–20 minute Glimpse tour runs daily at 11am, 12pm and 2:30pm for $25 per person (tasting $20 extra), and private tours for up to 10 people start at $450 and must be booked. On Fridays in October 2026 the Budburst package pairs two glasses of rosé with a platter for $89 for two; bookings are essential.
The bistro serves a seasonal Mediterranean menu with a Kiwi twist, drawn from the family's Croatian roots and local produce. It opens from 10:30am on weekdays and 10am on weekends, with last bookings at 2:30pm, and is closed on public holidays. Families are well looked after, with a kids' menu, a playhouse in the outdoor area and two pétanque courts. The winery also hosts weddings, functions and Christmas parties.
Lavender Hill in Riverhead is about 10 minutes away, so a lavender farm tour and a long lunch here fill a relaxed day.
What to do
- Walk in for a $20 standard tasting, any day 9:30am–4:30pm
- Join the 15–20 minute Glimpse winery tour at 11am, 12pm or 2:30pm
- Book a private tour for up to 10 people led by the Soljan family
- Have lunch at the bistro, with a kids' menu and playhouse outside
- Play pétanque on the bistro's two courts
- Book the Budburst rosé and platter package on Fridays in October
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Cellar door open daily year-round; bistro open daily for brunch and lunch, closed public holidays
- Hours
- 2026: cellar door daily 9:30am–4:30pm; bistro Mon–Fri from 10:30am, Sat–Sun from 10am, last bookings 2:30pm, closed public holidays
- Admission
- Free entry; standard tasting $20 per person, Glimpse tour $25 per person (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Book the bistro ahead and note the 2:30pm last booking.
- Private tours need a booking; the short Glimpse tour runs at set times each day.
- Kids have a menu and a playhouse at the bistro, which makes this an easier family stop than most tasting rooms.
- Plan a designated driver if you are tasting along State Highway 16.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lavender Hill · about 10 minutes away
Lavender Hill is about 10 minutes east in Riverhead; do the lavender farm tour in the morning and come here for lunch and a tasting.
Getting there
Questions
Do you need to book a tasting at Soljans?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for the $20 standard tasting, daily 9:30am–4:30pm.
Is Soljans good for kids?
The bistro has a kids' menu and a playhouse in its outdoor area.
When does the bistro take its last booking?
At 2:30pm. It opens from 10:30am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.
How long is the Glimpse tour?
About 15–20 minutes, at 11am, 12pm and 2:30pm daily.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of the Auckland Countryside, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
