Where History Meets Hospitality
Set on 40 acres of native bush and rolling farmland, The X Winery is enjoying a vibrant new chapter as a striking, unconventional guesthouse and small event space.
Once home to the renowned Mahurangi River Winery, this architecturally significant building has been reimagined as a private retreat, offering visitors a stay infused with character, history, and breathtaking scenery - conveniently located just minutes from Matakana, Snells Beach, Sandspit Marina, and Warkworth.
Although The X Winery no longer functions as a commercial winery, its viticultural legacy endures. The vineyard continues to produce a small amount of Merlot while olive trees on the property are harvested annually, producing small batches of rich, local olive oil. The land itself is a carefully balanced mix of a productive vineyard, protected bush, and wetlands, with grazing paddocks that offer the added bonus of farm-to-table beef.
The journey to transform the winery began in 2017 when Rachael and David moved from Auckland, embracing the lifestyle the property had to offer. When they arrived, the tanks and restaurant furniture had been removed, leaving behind a raw, industrial shell. The vast space was striking but rough, and rather than undertaking an elaborate renovation, they opted for a creative solution. Enchanted by the building’s height and character, they designed and built sleeping pods within the space - an innovative approach they initially thought would be temporary. However, the pods proved so effective and unique that they remain a defining feature of the accommodation today.
In 2019, David’s father, a passionate wine enthusiast, took residence in the winemaker’s cottage, tending the vineyard and crafting wine alongside friend and mentor Tina Hutchison. After his passing, Rachael and David transitioned to the cottage themselves as their children left home, and began the reinvention of the main building into a sought-after Airbnb retreat.
Designed in 2000 by acclaimed New Zealand architect Richard Naish, the structure was his first project after departing Jasmax to establish RTA Studio - now one of the country’s most celebrated architectural firms. Built primarily from macrocarpa milled on- site and reinforced with tilt-slab concrete, the building was originally constructed to house a working winery and restaurant.
Honouring its storied past, the commercial kitchen and bar remain integral parts of the property, allowing guests to hire a chef for a bespoke dining experience, while a hot tub on the expansive deck provides the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of house- made wine. Unique artworks, wine barrels, a wood-burning fireplace and indoor plants complement the rustic setting and welcome a homely feel. The X Winery embraces both sustainability and modern convenience with a bore system that supplies pristine water and solar power to ensure uninterrupted essentials during power outages.
Now a sought-after retreat, The X Winery is recognised as a Guest Favourite on Airbnb, offering a spacious and truly unique escape for up to 10 guests. The property also plays host to a limited number of intimate weddings each year, providing a breathtaking backdrop for those looking to tie the knot. Guests can use the space however they like and are free to make their own catering choices.
The X Winery is about soul, authenticity, and embracing the beauty of imperfection, offering a space full of character where creativity thrives. Beyond hosting guests, The X Winery is a place for collaboration - an evolving canvas that welcomes artists, makers, thinkers, and dreamers who share its vision, whether through events, partnerships, or creative projects.
A truly unique multi-purpose venue, The X Winery offers a rich blend of history, creativity, and hospitality - a place where past and present meet to inspire unforgettable experiences.
