Although Northland was the 'birthplace' of New Zealand viticulture, with vine plantings dating back to 1819, only recently has viticulture regained some significance in the area. With better site selection and modern winegrowing methods, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay show promise in the warm, temperate maritime conditions of New Zealand's most northerly region. Soil type ranges from shallow clay over sandy clay subsoil to free draining volcanic. Top producer, Okahu.