OBSIDIAN VINEYARD nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley adjacent to the northern coast of Waiheke Island. Here, small batches of wine are grown on four discrete hillsides set out in an amphitheatre-like fashion. The sheltered vines enjoy high levels of heat summation, tempered by the maritime breeze. The mineralized clay soil is rich in iron and manganese oxides, and overlays ancient weathered rock. These conditions perfectly suit the noble red and white grapes originating from the Mediterranean countries. The island has ideal conditions for cool climate winemaking, with its warm summers, lean soils, and lengthy, mild autumns. The soils are predominantly clay, rich in iron and manganese oxides, and overlays ancient weathered rock. Wind and soil create a low vigour growing environment where grape vines struggle and produce small but concentrated yields of ripe fruit with intense flavours.