A NZ Winery, A Billboard, And A 97-Year-Old Legacy

This week, Soljans Estate Winery is marking a full-circle moment in its nearly century-long legacy with a billboard campaign placed outside the original West Auckland home where their family first lived upon arriving in New Zealand in 1927.

Known to the Soljan family as "Pergola Wines" this house was the starting point of a wine story that would stretch across five generations. Established formally in 1937, Soljans Estate has become one of New Zealand’s most enduring family-owned wineries - still run today by third generation Tony Soljan, with support from his wife, children and grandchildren.

The billboard campaign features playful prompts like “When was the last time you popped in?” and “Take Mum. Pretend it was your idea.” The goal? To challenge the perception that wineries are fancy and far away - by reminding Aucklanders that Soljans is just 20 minutes from the city, warm, welcoming, and perfect for Sunday lunch - no top hats required.

“Placing a billboard outside old family house felt like bringing our story home,” says Amber Soljan, fifth-generation family member. “It’s where it all started for us - and now we’re inviting everyone to experience the legacy over a glass of wine and a bite to eat.

The Soljans family continues to operate their Kumeu-based estate with a hands-on approach. The bistro serves seasonal, delicious food that reflects the family's Croatian roots.

“Our winery is still family-owned, still family-run, and still full of stories, old and new,” adds Tony Soljan, third generation and one of the pioneers of New Zealand winemaking. “We’re proud to honor the past while bringing the next generation into the light a bit more.”

Note:

Soljans Estate Winery is located at 366 State Highway 16, Kumeu. The billboard is live from April 23 to May 1.

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