The Brajkovich family purchased their property in Hawkes bay in the 1940's and have slowly set about creating a winery of quality. In the late 70's Mate started planting Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, moving away from generic white, red and fortified production. The 1980's saw the next generation enter the business, renaming the winery Kumeu River and really creating a focus on quality in a wine industry that was just finding its identity.

Their reputation grew both locally and internationally as producers of Burgundy style whites from Chardonnay that were focused and precise.

The Mate's Vineyard is their flagship chardonnay, concentrated white peach, citrus, lime, honey and spicy oak. Intensity and volume abound in this focused and textured wine from an exceptional vineyard.