Poderi Crisci vineyard encompasses 7.7 hectares on a north facing slope set amongst a sheltered amphitheatre and a narrow rocky strip believed to be 30 million set years older than the rest of the Island.

Located at the end of a country lane, Poderi Crisci is a family-owned vineyard and restaurant with Italian flair and a passion for traditional winemaking. For four generations the Crisci family have been immersed in the art of food and wine. Antonio, born and raised in Napoli, arrived in NZ in the early ’90s quickly making a name for himself in the Auckland scene with the establishment of Toto restaurant in Nelson Street. With his partner Vivienne Farnell they opened Non Solo Pizza in 1996, forever an institution in Parnell. Non Solo Pizza was sold to Savor Group in 2019, and the Toto name has been rivived at Toto Pizza in Central Auckland, with meter long pizzas a specialty.

The first merlot vines were planted in 2000. The success of the first vines led to the planting of other grape varieties and vegetable gardens with Poderi Crisci being founded in 2008 and the restaurant opening in 2010. Antonio, a visionary, has transformed the Waiheke Island vineyard into a place people will visit to wine, dine and have ‘layers of experience.’

Poderi Crisci is without doubt a destination worthy of the journey.