The Soljans family name has been synonymous with winemaking in New Zealand for over 80 years and few NZ wineries can claim to have a prouder winemaking heritage than Soljans Estate Wines. There are many Croatian families who made their mark on the NZ wine industry, and the Soljans name is highly regarded amongst this group of pioneers.
In 1932 Bartul established the first Soljan vineyard in Henderson, West Auckland. The wines produced were nothing like those he made back in Croatia but were tailored to suit consumer demand at the time.
In 1937, Bartul's eldest son Frank (father of present owner Tony), established Soljans Wines Ltd. He chose grape varieties to suit wines that were in vogue at that time. With his other eye on the production line, Frank also purchased the latest equipment and stainless steel tanks to make his winemaking more efficient.
In the 1970s, Frank passed the winemaking responsibilities over to son Tony, who introduced Soljans popular table wine to New Zealand dinner tables.
In 2002 Tony purchased land on the present site on State Highway 16 in Kumeu. Today, Soljans is a stunning winery and restaurant establishment on State Highway 16 and is the proud gateway to Kumeu Wine Country - Auckland's heritage wine trail.
In 2011 Soljans was awarded the mid-size business category of the Westpac Auckland West Business Awards. In declaring Soljans Estate Winery and Café the winner the judges commended Soljans management team, the attractive appearance of the venue and the diversification of the services offered.
Also in 2011Soljans in Kumeu was chosen as one of the 20 best winery restaurants in the world by the Canadian Wine Access magazine. Each place had to offer not just outstanding wines, but also wonderful meals, service and ambience — the sort of place you’d go back to again and again, if you could. And the sort of place that, once you’ve been there, you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life.