DINING AMONGST THE VINES

We are so lucky in New Zealand to be able to enjoy award-winning food and wine.  There is no better way to experience this than to visit some of New Zealand’s wineries where you can linger and languish over a long lunch and experience the whole package. Check out our top picks across the country where you can expect to find outstanding beef and lamb dishes with knowledgeable staff who will help you match the perfect wine to your choice of meal.

1. Marsden Estate Winery, Kerikeri

Just a few minutes drive from Kerikeri you will find Marsden Estate set amongst vineyards and tropical gardens in the far North. The winery is named after Samuel Marsden who, nearly two centuries ago, planted the first grapevines in Kerikeri and began establishing the Anglican mission stations in New Zealand.  Marsden Estate offer wine tasting and tours along with relaxed courtyard dining overlooking their lake and vines. This is the place to meet family and friends and enjoy a long lunch featuring the award-winning contemporary cuisine by head chef Dale Gartland who sources fresh regional produce to create his award-winning dishes.  marsdenestate.co.nz

2. Plume Vineyard and Restaurant, Matakana

Plume Restaurant is located an hour north of Auckland in the beautiful wine growing region of Matakana and is situated within a stunning 3-hectare boutique vineyard.  With the restaurant superbly positioned to take in gorgeous 180° views over the vineyard and valleys beyond, this is the perfect dining destination for any occasion.  Chef Atesh says their menu fuses the flavours of global kitchens with New Zealand’s own traditional heritage.  With an open style kitchen the chefs are an integral part of the guests’ experience making for a memorable dining occasion, not to mention award-winning food.  plumerestaurant.co.nz

3. Cable Bay Vineyards, Waiheke Island

A visit to Auckland is not complete without a trip over to Waiheke Island, and a trip to Waiheke Island is not complete without a visit to an award-winning winery.  We love dining at Cable Bay and not only for their beautiful wines and exquisite cuisine, but the views over the Hauraki Gulf back to Auckland city are outstanding. Lounging in the bean bags and watching the sun go down after a delicious meal is an experience not to be missed.  Talented head chef Max Larbiose, trained in a Michelin starred restaurant in France and draws on his classical background to create his menus.  He cleverly combines a French influence with modern New Zealand cuisine and freshly harvested produce from their kitchen garden.  Match this with Cable Bay’s award-winning wines and here is a dining experience which will take pride of place in your mind for a long time. cablebay.nz

4. Soljans Estate Winery, Kumeu

Heading out to Kumeu in West Auckland you cannot go past the iconic vineyard that is Soljan’s Estate Winery for a wonderful experience, whether it’s a visit to the cellar door or a delicious lunch with family or friends.  This is a family owned winery which has stood the test of time after being established over 80 years ago, when the first delicate grapevine was planted in a West Auckland field.  That grapevine grew into the family winery, the third oldest in New Zealand that is still owned and operated by the original family.  The café at Soljan’s has won numerous Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards and has a Mediterranean influenced menu with a kiwi twist.  The staff are friendly and welcoming and with a kids menu and a wonderful outdoor area this is a family friendly destination for that special outing. soljans.co.nz

5. Mission Estate Winery, Taradale

The history of Mission Estate Winery is just one of the drawcards for a visit to this amazing destination.  Established in 1851 by the French Marist religious order, Mission Estate Winery is New Zealand’s oldest winemaking concern still under the same management.  Its worth taking your time to explore the beautiful and elegantly restored seminary building and view the photos and images in the cellar door which tell the history of the Mission and the missionaries who built it.  The renowned Mission Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine for lunch and dinner and the knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best food and wine match to make this a memorable dining experience.  Visitors are encouraged to explore the gardens and enjoy the ambience of the estate which is all part of visiting this special destination.  missionestate.co.nz

6. Vidal Estate Winery, Hastings

Vidal Estate’s restaurant opened its doors in 1979 and grew to become a popular dining destination for locals and visitors.  Open for lunch and dinner it’s a sophisticated but relaxed dining space.  Chef Nathan Beilby focuses on creating clean simple flavours using New Zealand fresh, seasonal produce.  Matched with beautifully crafted wines this is a fantastic destination to celebrate a special occasion or just relax and enjoy the company of good friends, fine food and wine. vidal.co.nz

7. Tirohana Estate, Martinborough

Tirohana Estate is Martinborough’s oldest vineyard and oozes charm and elegance.  The restaurant offers a unique dining experience surrounded by vines in the heart of Martinborough.  Ambience is created with antique Mexican doors, original New Zealand artwork, Italian tiled floor and a huge open fire.  The service is excellent with knowledgeable staff ready to help you choose the best dishes and wine matches for your palate.  Or enjoy their speciality - Grand Sunday Roast lunch menu, available Sundays only from 12 noon during Autumn, Winter and Spring.  tirohanaestate.com

8. Saint Clair Vineyard, Blenheim

The Vineyard Kitchen at Saint Clair is a great place to relax, sit back and enjoy the views extending past the vines towards the dramatic Richmond Range.  There’s a sunny courtyard for outdoor dining and some dining options amongst the vines and on cooler days a cosy fire provides ambience and warmth.  The menu is extensive and changes with the seasons so whether its morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea there will be a dining option to suit everyone and of course a visit to the cellar door is a must to take advantage of the full Saint Clair experience.  saintclair.co.nz

9. Carrick Winery, Bannockburn

Central Otago is renowned for its stunning scenery and outstanding wineries. Carrick derives its name from the gold mining town and the mountain range which Carrick looks out upon.  The chefs use local ingredients to make simple, healthy but sophisticated food which, when matched with their wines provide a unique Central Otago dining experience.  We hear their platters are a treat for a shared dining experience, so grab some friends and spend the afternoon eating, sharing a bottle of wine and gazing at the beautiful views from Carrick.  carrick.co.nz