In the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay, Te Mata Estate has quietly shaped the soul of New Zealand winemaking for more than 130 years. Established in 1896, it remains the country’s oldest winery and home to some of its most celebrated vineyards. Declared “a national treasure” by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, Te Mata’s reputation reaches around the world, while its spirit stays firmly rooted in place.
Nick Buck, CEO and member of the founding family, recently spoke with Opimian Wine Club about Te Mata’s connection to Canada, its guiding philosophy, and the personal journey that led him to embrace winemaking as a life’s calling. “We are grateful that Opimian champions Te Mata to lovers of fine wine throughout your beautiful country,” Buck shared. For him, it’s about shared values, lasting relationships, and the satisfaction of seeing Te Mata wines appreciated by those who truly understand what goes into every bottle.
Buck grew up at Te Mata, surrounded by visitors from around the world who came to taste the wines and experience the land. Their curiosity and admiration revealed a deeper meaning behind the estate and inspired him to carry its legacy forward with purpose.
At the heart of Te Mata’s philosophy is Coleraine (Lot 5766), the estate’s flagship wine and a benchmark for New Zealand reds. “It is the wine that defines Te Mata, Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand,” Buck explained. “It is our love letter to the world—an expression of our place and time for all who wish to experience it.”
Coleraine is more than a wine; it’s a statement of identity. Crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and matured on site, it reflects Te Mata’s belief that authenticity begins in the vineyard and finishes in the glass.
“Wine is made in the vineyard,” Buck emphasized. “There is no greater truism in wine. Our land underpins everything we do… it defines us and enables us.” That reverence for terroir drives Te Mata’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship, reinforcing a promise to protect the land for generations to come.
Among Te Mata’s portfolio, Alma Pinot Noir (Lot 5765) holds special meaning. Named in honour of Buck’s ancestor, surgeon James Thomson—a humanitarian hero of the Battle of the Alma in 1854—the wine carries a legacy of courage and compassion. With Thomson’s Crimean War medal featured on the label, Alma stands as a tribute to resilience, both personal and historical.
At home, Buck often reaches for Te Mata Awatea (Lot 5764), a classic Hawke’s Bay blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. With vibrant berry fruit, savoury complexity, and deep-set tannins, Awatea captures both the character of the region and the soul of the estate.
When Opimian’s Masters of Wine selected Te Mata Estate Syrah 2024 (Lot 5763) as a Coup de Cœur, Buck was thrilled. With previous vintages named among the Top 100 Wines of the World, the 2024 Syrah continues that legacy and raises the bar with confidence.
Outside the cellar, Buck draws inspiration from New Zealand’s natural beauty and the joy of family life. Whether diving for crayfish or exploring lakes and mountains, his connection to the land reaches well beyond the vineyard.
For Opimian members dreaming of a visit, Te Mata’s cellar door is open year-round. And for young Canadians seeking adventure, New Zealand’s generous Working Holiday Scheme offers a warm welcome—much like the wines themselves.
The newest addition to the Te Mata highland cattle is Mabel, born on the 10th of August, 2025 to Ella, and a very cute addition at that. The highland cattle are loved by the Te Mata team and visitors alike and help create our biodynamic mixture, which we spray on the soil around early Spring. It’s fantastic for soil health – and great for vine growth. With the addition of Mabel, the Te Mata highland cattle count now comes to four.
Te Mata Wines Featured in the C330 Cellar Offering
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LOT 5761Te MATA Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke's Bay, 2025 |
LOT 5762Te MATA Estate Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, 2024 |
LOT 5763Te MATA Estate Syrah, Hawke's Bay, 2024 |
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LOT 5764Te MATA Estate Awatea Cabernets/Merlot, Hawke's Bay, 2023 |
LOT 5765Te MATA Estate Alma Pinot Noir, Hawke's Bay, 2024 |
LOT 5766Te MATA Estate Coleraine, Hawke's Bay, 2023 (Tissue-Wrapped in Wooden Box) |
Taylor McDowell is a Simcoe County-based writer, graduate student, and wine enthusiast. Her love of wine began at home, enjoying tastings with her father. Combined with her talent for writing, honed during her master’s degrees in English Literature and Philosophy, this passion takes on a uniquely eloquent form.