Vines are planted to Horotiu sandy loam over free draining river shingle, sited on a gentle north facing slope overlooking the Waikato River. The original Chardonnay grapes were planted in 1990 and sold on contract. The winery itself was constructed in 1999 and the first vintage harvested in 2000. More recently Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah have been planted with the first harvest produced in 2005.
Mystery Creek rose from obscurity in 2001 when it was awarded Gold Medal in the Liquorland Top 100 with it's inaugural vintage Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2000. The same wine received a Silver Medal in the Royal Easter Show and a Bronze Medal in the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The following year, the estate's Reserve Chardonnay 2001 was awarded a Silver Medal in the Liquorland Top 100. The following year, the subsequent vintage claimed Silver Medal at the Liquorland Top 100.
Mystery Creek also craft the esoteric varietals rather well, the 2007 Gewurztraminer received a nomination for Best of the Best from Peter Saunders in the NZ Food & Beverage magazine. Mystery Creek 2007 Pinot Gris and the Mystery Creek 2007 Riesling, also achieved Bronze Medal status at the Royal New Zealand Show. The continuing success across the entire range in competitions and in the export and local markets, firmly places Mystery Creek Wines as the premier Waikato winery.
