There’s nothing better than a weekend getaway to a beautiful vineyard. Luckily, we’re blessed with awesome New Zealand wineries that make an afternoon of tasting an all too familiar reality. Here are our picks for some of the best from around the country. After a specific area? Wine not try these!
Mudbrick Vineyard
Over on Waiheke Island is a winery built from the labours of love. Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant is owned by Robyn and Nicholas Jones and together, they constructed this breathtaking establishment from the ground up in 1992.
People come from all over the world to experience the wine and the gorgeous views of sea! Sample their range while tasting an accompanying cheese platter – win/win. Whether it be a special event or just an afternoon of wine tasting, that’ll be all the arm-twisting you need to visit Mudbrick.
Pegasus Bay
Rich clay bricks create a scene that would fit in perfectly on a Venetian street. The team here are meticulous with their pruning and caring of the vines and it really shows in the final product. We recommend getting your hands on the Sauvignon Semillon, the perfect wine for warmer weather. Crisp and aromatic on the pallet, this one will leave a memorable taste in your mouth.
Poppies Martinborough
New Zealand wineries don’t get much better than this! If you’re after a place that celebrates the traditional wine making process, then Poppies Martinborough is the place to go. For tastings, Poppy will create a platter that compliments her wines and take you through her courtyards while explaining their methods. Make sure you try their Rose, which can only be consumed at their cellar door!
Mission Estate Winery
Mission Estate Winery is one of the oldest and iconic wineries in New Zealand, and for good reason! They’ve perfected the wine tasting experience, from location, service, and setting, right through to the wine menu and escorting tasting dishes – you can’t go wrong here. Take a walk through their well-kept grounds and admire the beautiful scenery. Their dessert wines are heavenly, so make sure you don’t leave without at least a taste!
Mahana Estates
Perfect weather really makes the experience here, with a setting outside in the vineyard that looks out across both land and sea. Tasting tours take you behind the scenes to where the action happens, from the vineyards to the cellar doors. This place will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the whole wine making process. Here’s a few more reasons to visit the area down there in Nelson.
