Taitokerau Northland wineries you need to go this summer
There's nothing better than a day spent lounging in the vineyards, tasting wines, eating delicious foods and savouring the long summer days. Here's our pick for the Taitokerau Northland wineries you can't miss this summer.
Karikari Estate
Karikari Estate is the northern-most winery in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s part of Carrington Estate which houses resort-style accommodation, and a golf course. The winery cafe looks out over the beautiful Karikari Peninsula and picture-perfect beaches are not far away. They make delicious full-bodied wine, like Pinotage, Merlot and Syrah.
Sovrano Estate
Formally known as Ake Ake Estate, Sovrano Estate is now home to not only delicious wine and food, but also limoncello and other liqueurs. Using local fresh ingredients, the limoncello and liqueurs are produced in Kerikeri using traditional Italian recipes and have won a number of awards and world titles. It’s an excellent way to taste the flavours of Taitokerau Northland all in one place!
Marsden Estate
Not only is Marsden Estate known for their award-winning wines, but they are also renowned for their superb dining. They source fresh produce from around the region, served up on the terrace shaded by grapevines and overlooking the vineyard and lake. The wines range from classics like their Black Rocks Chardonnay (a must-try even for non-chardonnay drinkers) to lesser-known varietals like Chambourcin, Tempranillo and more.
The Landing
If you fancy a day of luxury and indulgence, a visit to The Landing should be on the cards. There’s only two ways to enjoy what this exclusive property has to offer, either stay in one of the four luxury residences, or book in for wine tasting experience. Go all out and arrange for The Landing’s private boat to collect you off one of the Bay of Islands wharves and deliver you to the property where you’ll enjoy a tour of the property, a wine tasting, and lunch prepared by The Landing chef.
Paroa Bay Winery
It’s almost impossible to get a more picturesque setting than Paroa Bay Winery and onsite restaurant Sage. The backdrop certainly inspires the menu, where Executive Chef Dan transforms locally grown and sourced ingredients into divine works of art that are almost too good to be eaten. Matched with wines straight from the cellar door, this is an indulgent way to spend the day without breaking the bank.
Dancing Petrel
Open by appointment, this stunning winery sits on Paewhenua Island overlooking the Mangonui Harbour. Vines line the north-facing slopes and the microclimate here results in fabulous aromatic wines like Pinot Gris, Viognier and wines from lesser-known varietals like Tanat and Cabernet Franc.
Omata Estate
If the views at boutique vineyard Omata Estate aren’t enough to blow you away, the platters and pizzas here certainly will. The relaxed eatery offers up gourmet local produce platters and wood-fired pizza, while you sip on their wide range of wines, from bubbly, to rose, to port. Overlooking the beautiful Bay of Islands this is the spot to spend the day and if you don’t want to leave, consider booking The Syrah Shack, Omata’s onsite glamping cabin.
Te Whai Bay Wines
If laid back afternoons among the vines, listening to live music, sipping hand-crafted wines and nibbling at shared platters sounds like the perfect long lunch then don’t miss Te Whai Bay wines near Mangawhai. It’s close enough to Auckland to be enjoyed as a daytrip but once you start tasting some of the unique boutique wines like their Rose and Bordeaux-style red, you may just want to stay.