Goldwater Estate was established by Kim and Jeanette Goldwater who pioneered wine making on Waiheke Island in 1978. Their 35 acre Waiheke winery overlooks Putiki Bay, and is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. In addition, Goldwater has vineyards in Marlborough from which an excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are produced and a new vineyard in the Hawke's Bay planted with grapes propogated from their vines on Waiheke Island to produce a Merlot predominant blended red . Goldwater's 1989 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wine made a big international splash when it was awarded a gold medal at the prestigious Intervin International Wine Competition in New York. Goldwater Estate is well regarded for its Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines.