Vineyards in Waiheke Island
To the surprise of many, more than 40 vineyards operate on Waiheke Island, where the Mediterranean-style climate is perfect for growing grapes (and olives). Some of the country's best red wines come from the island. Before you start exploring, pick up the free Waiheke Winegrowers' Map, or check out the Waiheke Winegrowers' Association website, www.waihekewine.co.nz. Plan your visits around eating time, because several growers have excellent restaurants.
One of the leaders among the Waiheke vineyards is undoubtedly Stonyridge, 80 Onetangi Rd. (tel. 09/372-8822; www.stonyridge.com). In 1987, Stonyridge produced the first Larose vintage, which was immediately judged one of the world's top red wines by the London World Guide to Cabernet. It has the dreamiest vineyard, with an incredibly picturesque view from its restaurant, which is one of the nicest places on the island to dine (lunch only). Tours of their cellar, vineyard, and olive grove (with two wine tastings) begin at 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday; admission is NZ$12 per person.
Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, 126 Church Bay Rd., Oneroa (tel. 09/372-9050; www.mudbrick.co.nz), is another magical setting for a meal. Goldwater Estate, 18 Causeway Rd., Ostend (tel. 09/372-7493; www.goldwaterwine.com), is a small premium winegrower producing top cabernet/merlots. It's open daily noon to 4pm from December through February with reduced hours for the rest of the year. It offers tasting sessions and tours by arrangement. Cable Bay Vineyards, 12 Nick Johnstone Dr., Oneroa (tel. 09/372-5889; www.cablebayvineyards.co.nz), features a beautiful architecturally designed complex that includes the winery, tasting room, restaurant, bar, and an art gallery. Cable Bay boasts dramatic views over Motukaha Island. They are open for lunch daily from 11am, and offer dinner Thursday through Saturday from 6pm.
Kennedy Point Wines & Olive Oil, 44 Donald Bruce Rd., Kennedy Point (tel. 09/372-5600; www.kennedypointvineyard.com), has a winery and tasting room in a beautiful setting. Te Whau Vineyard & Cafe, 218 Te Whau Dr. (tel. 09/372-7191; www.tewhau.com), has a smart cafe that serves lunch daily in summer and dinner Thursday through Saturday, with reduced winter hours. Tours are NZ$12 per person. With more than 500 cellared wines, Te Whau houses the most diverse collection of New Zealand wine in the world. Passage Rock Wines & Restaurant, 438 Orapiu Rd. (tel. 09/372-7257; www.passagerockwines.co.nz), is in a tranquil bay and has a cafe. Its award-winning wines have grabbed international attention - as have its wood-fired pizzas.
If you want to take a wine tour, contact Waiheke Island Wine Tours (tel. 09/372-2140; www.waihekeislandwinetours.co.nz). Wayne Eagleton will pick you up from the 10am ferry at 10:35am and your tour will be finished in time for the 4pm ferry. A shared tour costs NZ$99 person (over 18). A private exclusive tour can be tailored to your tastes and costs NZ$230 per person. Fullers and Ananda Tours also offer vineyard tours.