Matakana, with its diverse soil types and temperate maritime climate, has been a productive horticulture region for nearly 100 years. The clay loam deposits around the region have proven suitable for a variety of grapes, hence the establishment of the vineyards in the area.

Having established a following for their premium Syrah from the Matakana region, Contour Estate is now bringing their fruit from the Hawkes Bay. Gravels based growing is not new to Syrah with many of the top French vineyards and wineries often found on the bends of old river beds. Hawkes Bay gravels are very similar to those found in the northern Rhone districts of Hermitage and Cote-Rotie - regions renowned for their wines of elegance and intensity.

It is the mission of Contour Estate to explore the various regional differences of fruit flavours, soils and climates in their search to produce syrah of the highest quality and wine that is unique to New Zealand.

Presently there are only two regions in New Zealand with specialist Syrah wineries, Waiheke Island and Matakana.