Matariki has evolved from that small beginning in 1981. In 1992 they purchased an additional 170 hectares and from this John carefully analysed the meandering contours of the old Ngaruroro riverbed and matched the soil types to ensure the correct match to the classic wines they wanted to produce. The family has retained 60 hectares of this prestigious sub-region, large enough to be international, small enough to retain all the boutique qualities and hand care they wish to give to their wines. In 1997 with the vineyards now well established, we felt 'ready' to go to the market with the Matariki brand.

Currently 45 hectares are planted in vines, including the Gimblett Road classics of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah. Matariki have also the New Zealand icon Sauvignon Blanc. Other varieties include Chardonnay and Riesling, while small quantities of Pinot Noir have been planted on the more silty soils. The first release of this Pinot Noir was in November 2000.

Matariki take great pride in their unique terroir and John and Rosemary firmly believe great wines are made in the vineyard. A long held passion for soils and John's experience as a drainage contractor and viticulturist have enabled Matariki to choose their special vineyard sites. The free draining land was carefully analysed by aerial mapping, digging, mowing and observing the regrowth of vegetation. The underlying river greywacke gravels have been washed in parts with sand, silts and stones of varying depth. While soil maps of the area show the soil types in large blocks, John has identified in greater detail the subtle changes in soil type and matched each to a classic wine variety, giving Matariki its unique tapestry of soils and individual plots from which to handcraft their wines.