With vines stretching from the mountains to the sea, we’re flush with options for leafy long lunches. Cityscape has rounded up a few favourites.
Greystone Wines Greystone’s eatery boasts sharing plates made from locally grown, organic, and foraged produce. Settle in for an ever-changing four-course lunch with paired wines, and if you’ve got some energy left afterwards, explore the vineyard’s walking and biking trails.
Black Estate Winery There’s not a lot that can beat a languid al fresco session at family-owned and operated Black Estate, complete with winery, tasting room and restaurant. Savour the sumptuous combination of fine, locally-sourced fare with exquisite wines while drinking in the equally impressive vistas across the rolling Waipara hills. Black Estate’s spectacular seasonal dishes earned the team a Cuisine magazine award for Best Winery Restaurant 2019 and two hats in the Cuisine Good Food Awards.
Fiddler’s Green Vineyard & Bistro Pull up a pew and while away a couple of hours at Fiddler’s Green, which offers a tasty combination of European-inspired and Kiwi favourites as well as comforting pub-style dishes that will entice and delight. Take your pick from the selection of wines or indulge in others from the surrounding Waipara Valley.
Cellar hopping
Draw straws for sober driver and follow this trail. It’s like a pub crawl, but for grown-ups.
Georges Road Wines Look out over the vines as you taste Georges Road’s delightful drops. Open weekends 11am – 4pm.
Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove This family-run organic vineyard showcases the local Pinot Gris and other varieties. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am – 4:30pm.
Torlesse Wines Completely self-sufficient, completely sustainable, completely delicious. Open daily 11am – 5pm.
Pegasus Bay Winery Open weekends from 10am – 5pm, you’ll love a sip of vino from these North Canterbury pioneers.
Rossendale Wines Medal-winning drops available to taste from 9am – 5pm weekdays on Old Taitapu Road.