Stonyridge Faithful 2025 is a 100% Syrah from Waiheke Island, made by Stonyridge Vineyard, the Estate behind the famous Larose. It shows red cherry, small blueberry and crushed violet aromas. This is a lovely wine for anyone who likes fragrant, finely textured Syrah.
In the glass it shows a striking ruby hue. This is a wine for those of us who enjoy a vibrant, perfumed red with some savoury spice, and a great match for roast duck.
What it tastes like
The wine has hints of white and black pepper and a touch of cedar behind the fruit. On the palate it is dry, with delicate tannins, and it finishes on ripe berry fruit. Stonyridge note that it will gain extra subtlety and complexity with time in the bottle, but the fresh, lively character is a big part of the appeal right now.
Style at a glance
- Body: Medium
- Sweetness: Dry
- Acidity: Fresh
- Tannin: Delicate
- Style: Fragrant, peppery Waiheke Syrah
Food to enjoy this with
- Roast duck with plum sauce
- Rack of lamb with a herb crust
- Pork chops with fennel and black pepper
- Mushroom and thyme pie
- Venison carpaccio
- Barbecued salmon: the delicate tannins mean it won't clash with the richness of the fish
Who makes it
Stonyridge Vineyard is the dream of owner Stephen White, who came home to New Zealand in 1981 after sailing a Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and working at wineries in France, California and Italy. He chose a north-facing site on Waiheke Island after extensive climatic research, and planted the first vines and olive trees in 1982.
Stephen made the first Stonyridge vintage in 1985, and the 1987 Larose brought the Estate national fame and international attention. The Guardian UK has listed Stonyridge as "One of the Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World".
About the vintage
Emma Jenkins MW reported for Decanter that the Auckland region had its driest summer since 1958 in 2025, with steady warmth, no heat spikes and fruit that ripened evenly.
On Waiheke Island, the Gulf News reported that relatively dry, sunny days through January and February helped the crop, and that growers were expecting "a stellar vintage".
When to drink it
It drinks well now, and Stonyridge recommends cellaring this for 3–5 years to build extra subtlety and complexity.
Technical details
| Winery: |
Stonyridge Vineyard |
| Wine: |
Faithful |
| Vintage: |
2025 |
| Variety: |
Syrah (100%) |
| Region: |
Waiheke Island |
| Country: |
New Zealand |
| Alcohol: |
13.5% |
| Closure: |
Screwcap |
| Cellaring: |
3–5 years |
Where to buy
For international delivery to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, the Stonyridge Faithful 2025 is available from our winenz.com website. For delivery within New Zealand, buy it from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. On both websites and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines, and if you are visiting from overseas, we can ship it home for you.
Questions we are often asked
What grape is Stonyridge Faithful made from?
Stonyridge Faithful 2025 is 100% Syrah, grown on Waiheke Island.
What does Stonyridge Faithful 2025 taste like?
Stonyridge describe red cherry, small blueberry and crushed violet, with white and black pepper and a touch of cedar. It is dry, with delicate tannins and a ripe berry finish.
Is Stonyridge Faithful 2025 ready to drink?
Yes. Stonyridge say it is enjoyable now for its vibrant character, and that it will gain subtlety and complexity over 3–5 years.
What food goes with Stonyridge Faithful 2025?
Roast duck, herb-crusted lamb, peppery pork chops and mushroom dishes all work well. Its delicate tannins also make it a good red to try with barbecued salmon.
Where can I buy Stonyridge Faithful 2025?
The Winery ships Stonyridge Faithful 2025 internationally from winenz.com to the USA, Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea, and delivers within New Zealand from thewineryonline.co.nz. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
