UPDATED 10.11PM: More than 70 fire fighters from around Waikato tackled a massive blaze at a historic vineyard near Hamilton over night.

The central building of Vilagrad Winery, established in 1922 has been almost entirely destroyed, leaving only charred steel and rubble. However, just metres away the scene is completely different with flowers, seats and tables set out ready for a wedding.

Daryl Trim, a Hamilton Fire Brigade senior station officer, said as they approached the scene at Vilagrad Winery before 1am, he could see a glow in the sky.

The first firefighters that arrived found the main building, around 6000 square metres, fully engulfed in fire.

Trim said they've managed to get much of the blaze under control, but not before the blaze "totally destroyed" the central part of the building.

"We're going to scale right back...until daylight, until things are a bit safer to get inside and pull bits of iron away and have a look so investigators can have a close look to see what caused it," Trim said.

One firefighter suffered a "minor injury" - twisting his knee while moving a hose around inside the blaze.

Waikato Assistant Fire Commander Darry Papesch said some of the 18 appliances called out were transporting vital water supplies.

"We had four tankers going most of the night because this is a rural situation so there's not a lot of water out here."

One truck will remain on site today to dampen hot spots and help fire investigators.

Marriage celebrant Kay Gregory conducted many weddings at Vilagrad, and said there would be few people in the region who haven't been to a function at the much-loved venue.

"I think Hamilton as a whole will really feel this loss. I just hope it can be built again and be as fabulous as it was before."