MiNDFOOD (New Zealand)

GRAPE GETAWAYS

Waiheke Island and Matakana are paradises for wine lovers and tourists, boasting incredible attraction­s as well as world-class wines just waiting to be discovered.

- WORDS BY CAMERON DOUGLAS

Auckland sits on an isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea: at its narrowest point just one mile separates the two. The ‘four seasons in one day’ saying rings true for Aotearoa’s largest city, especially during spring and autumn. A trip to Auckland requires some planning around transport once you land or drive in; I suggest you write a list of must-see and must-do and aim to spend a few days looking around. Be sure to include a day or two to visit Waiheke Island and Matakana – two of Auckland’s getaway destinatio­ns.

Waiheke Island is a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Once there you can bus, walk, e-bike, e-scooter or hire a car and drive yourself around. From guided walks to zip-lining, scuba diving, yoga retreats and great beaches, you’ll find something for everyone on the island. With over 25 wineries, there are some world-class ferments to be discovered. The island enjoys a mild climate during the winter through very hot in the summer. There are plenty of accommodat­ion options. The wine industry began as recently as 1978 when the Goldwaters planted their first vineyard. Their vision inspired many producers. Many of the vineyards and tasting rooms offer dining options as well; trust me when I say it’s easy just to stay in one place for an afternoon.

Matakana is an easy drive from downtown Auckland taking under an hour. Turn right at Warkworth, where you can discover beaches, bushwalks, markets, sculpture trails and ferry rides to some amazing bird sanctuary islands and incredible untouched landscapes. Stop at the Matakana markets for a look around: there’s also the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, wines and dining space; Sculptureu­m and Morris & James handmade pottery. The wine scene is a mix of eclectic and modern, the wine styles varied and interestin­g from Italian, bordeaux and classic NZ expression­s and is home to Aotearoa’s first Kazakhstan­i winemaker, Oleg Yakutin. Soon to be published, It Takes a Village: A Guide to Matakana and its Surroundin­g Districts by Lauraine Jacobs is an up-to-theminute look at the region.

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After her visit, Meghan Markle called Waiheke Island a “sleepy little beach island peppered with wineries, quaint shops, and the nicest people you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing”.

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?? ?? Man O’ War Kulta Méthode Traditionn­elle Tulia 2017, Waiheke Island The Kulta series heads a prestige range of wines for one of the island’s premium producers. One hundred percent barrel-fermented chardonnay fruit barrel-aged spends 20 months on lees and no dosage so completely dry. A wine packed with finesse and charm.
Man O’ War Kulta Méthode Traditionn­elle Tulia 2017, Waiheke Island The Kulta series heads a prestige range of wines for one of the island’s premium producers. One hundred percent barrel-fermented chardonnay fruit barrel-aged spends 20 months on lees and no dosage so completely dry. A wine packed with finesse and charm.
?? ?? From low-yielding 22-year-old vines, Chloe Somerset has crafted a delicious expression of syrah. Aromas and flavours of blueberry and cherry, some roasted plum and spice, a touch of anise, licorice and with some whole-bunch used there is a fine savoury complexity. Bold tannins, fresh and ready. Cable Bay Vineyards Syrah 2019, Waiheke Island
From low-yielding 22-year-old vines, Chloe Somerset has crafted a delicious expression of syrah. Aromas and flavours of blueberry and cherry, some roasted plum and spice, a touch of anise, licorice and with some whole-bunch used there is a fine savoury complexity. Bold tannins, fresh and ready. Cable Bay Vineyards Syrah 2019, Waiheke Island
?? ?? Tantalus Cachette Reserve Chardonnay 2019, Waiheke Island This estate is an exciting destinatio­n for travellers, foodies and lovers of wine. Cachette leads the palate through aromas and flavours of ripe stone fruits and citrus peel, sweet oak and fine toasty barrel spices, cashew nut butter then a fine stony earthy quality.
Tantalus Cachette Reserve Chardonnay 2019, Waiheke Island This estate is an exciting destinatio­n for travellers, foodies and lovers of wine. Cachette leads the palate through aromas and flavours of ripe stone fruits and citrus peel, sweet oak and fine toasty barrel spices, cashew nut butter then a fine stony earthy quality.
?? ?? Runner Duck Estate Albariño 2018, Matakana A vinifera variety, albariño is indigenous to Portugal and Spain. Grown on clay loam soils in North Auckland, it reflects its signature peach and citrus bouquet precisely and on the palate flavours of tangerine peel, lemon and a lick of salt. This wine makes a lovely aperitif or match with seafood.
Runner Duck Estate Albariño 2018, Matakana A vinifera variety, albariño is indigenous to Portugal and Spain. Grown on clay loam soils in North Auckland, it reflects its signature peach and citrus bouquet precisely and on the palate flavours of tangerine peel, lemon and a lick of salt. This wine makes a lovely aperitif or match with seafood.
?? ?? Stonyridge ‘Airfield’ 2019, Waiheke Island Famous for some of the best red blends in NZ, the Stonyridge Larose red blend has a strong following, me included. The winery and dining venue should be high on your list when visiting the island. Made with the cabernets, merlot and malbec, this a very delicious example. Invest!
Stonyridge ‘Airfield’ 2019, Waiheke Island Famous for some of the best red blends in NZ, the Stonyridge Larose red blend has a strong following, me included. The winery and dining venue should be high on your list when visiting the island. Made with the cabernets, merlot and malbec, this a very delicious example. Invest!
?? ?? Te Motu 2009, Waiheke Island The vision of Te Motu (meaning ‘The Island’) has been to make the best red blend. Back vintages are available including this cabernet, merlot and franc blend. Very earthy, powerful on the nose and palate, rich in fruit and oak flavours, integratin­g tannins and a long-storied finish. A must-visit destinatio­n when ‘te motu’ calls.
Te Motu 2009, Waiheke Island The vision of Te Motu (meaning ‘The Island’) has been to make the best red blend. Back vintages are available including this cabernet, merlot and franc blend. Very earthy, powerful on the nose and palate, rich in fruit and oak flavours, integratin­g tannins and a long-storied finish. A must-visit destinatio­n when ‘te motu’ calls.
?? ?? Mudbrick Vineyard ‘Velvet’ 2019, Waiheke Island A premium, exotic and complex wine made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and malbec. Aromas and flavours of weighty, rich, concentrat­ed and captivatin­g wine. Blackberry and blackcurra­nt, cassis and plums, dark brown spices and moments of aniseed.
Mudbrick Vineyard ‘Velvet’ 2019, Waiheke Island A premium, exotic and complex wine made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot and malbec. Aromas and flavours of weighty, rich, concentrat­ed and captivatin­g wine. Blackberry and blackcurra­nt, cassis and plums, dark brown spices and moments of aniseed.
?? ?? Lonely Planet called Waiheke Island one of the world’s best regions to visit. Clockwise from far left: Omaha Bay Vineyard; Cherry blossoms are just part of the incredible natural beauty; Sample premium produce at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
Lonely Planet called Waiheke Island one of the world’s best regions to visit. Clockwise from far left: Omaha Bay Vineyard; Cherry blossoms are just part of the incredible natural beauty; Sample premium produce at the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market.
?? ?? Omaha Bay Vineyards Montepulci­ano 2015, Matakana With four generation­s of winemaking in the family, OBV owners Beth and Hegman’s passion and desire is to make fine wine. From the first vintage, both French and Italian varieties have become the signature. True to the variety this red has a powerful structure, bold tannins and acidity with a core of black fruits and toasty wood spices.
Omaha Bay Vineyards Montepulci­ano 2015, Matakana With four generation­s of winemaking in the family, OBV owners Beth and Hegman’s passion and desire is to make fine wine. From the first vintage, both French and Italian varieties have become the signature. True to the variety this red has a powerful structure, bold tannins and acidity with a core of black fruits and toasty wood spices.
?? ?? This expression has a vibrant, youthful and compelling bouquet with aromas of white peach, quince, grapefruit and mineral scents. The aroma of wood spices and mild toastiness adds complexity. Raw cashew nut and barrel tannins add texture and complexity. It will sit happily in your cellar until late 2022. Brick Bay Chardonnay 2019, Matakana
This expression has a vibrant, youthful and compelling bouquet with aromas of white peach, quince, grapefruit and mineral scents. The aroma of wood spices and mild toastiness adds complexity. Raw cashew nut and barrel tannins add texture and complexity. It will sit happily in your cellar until late 2022. Brick Bay Chardonnay 2019, Matakana
?? ?? The producer’s name is inspired by the sun sign of Scorpio. Grüner veltliner is quickly showing it is suited to NZ soils and climate. The 2019 vintage has delivered a wine with a floral and aromatic lift with flavours of citrus and yellow apple, white pepper and the burst of power similar to white radish and endive. Bold acidity, youthful and fresh. October 30 Wines Grüner Veltliner 2019, Matakana
The producer’s name is inspired by the sun sign of Scorpio. Grüner veltliner is quickly showing it is suited to NZ soils and climate. The 2019 vintage has delivered a wine with a floral and aromatic lift with flavours of citrus and yellow apple, white pepper and the burst of power similar to white radish and endive. Bold acidity, youthful and fresh. October 30 Wines Grüner Veltliner 2019, Matakana
?? ?? Yakutin Family Wines ‘Old Chimney’ Cabernet Franc 2019, Matakana This producer is so new – their first vintage was in 2018 and they make just two wines, a chardonnar­y and this cabernet franc. It has aromas and flavours true to the variety of red berries and olive, an herbaceous layer, lots of tannins and crunchy acidity. Still ageing so one for the cellar or serve with beshbarmak.
Yakutin Family Wines ‘Old Chimney’ Cabernet Franc 2019, Matakana This producer is so new – their first vintage was in 2018 and they make just two wines, a chardonnar­y and this cabernet franc. It has aromas and flavours true to the variety of red berries and olive, an herbaceous layer, lots of tannins and crunchy acidity. Still ageing so one for the cellar or serve with beshbarmak.
?? ?? Grown on clay-rich soils with volcanic sand and silt sediments, this clone of sangiovese thrives with aromas and flavours of central Italy with ripe and tart cherry then blackcurra­nt and a core of dried herb and old roses. The tannins and acidity power through the palate. A perfect wine for your steak a-bleu topped with olive tapenade. Heron’s Flight Sangiovese 2016, Matakana
Grown on clay-rich soils with volcanic sand and silt sediments, this clone of sangiovese thrives with aromas and flavours of central Italy with ripe and tart cherry then blackcurra­nt and a core of dried herb and old roses. The tannins and acidity power through the palate. A perfect wine for your steak a-bleu topped with olive tapenade. Heron’s Flight Sangiovese 2016, Matakana
?? ?? Gillman Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Malbec 2009, Matakana The best tool to remove cork closures from any red wine is a Durand. You’ll need one for the Gillman as Toby uses extra-long corks. His red wines are fantastic, the 2009 delivering aromas and flavours of violets, blackberry, chocolate and toasty baking spices.
Gillman Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Malbec 2009, Matakana The best tool to remove cork closures from any red wine is a Durand. You’ll need one for the Gillman as Toby uses extra-long corks. His red wines are fantastic, the 2009 delivering aromas and flavours of violets, blackberry, chocolate and toasty baking spices.
?? ?? Hyperion ‘The Titan’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Matakana John and wife Jill’s experience over nearly 20 years solidifies their commitment to French varieties. With bottle age of 14 years, this expression is ready. Aromas and flavours of integratio­n with secondary fruit flavours, rose and violet, integrated tannins lead to a smooth, dry finish.
Hyperion ‘The Titan’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Matakana John and wife Jill’s experience over nearly 20 years solidifies their commitment to French varieties. With bottle age of 14 years, this expression is ready. Aromas and flavours of integratio­n with secondary fruit flavours, rose and violet, integrated tannins lead to a smooth, dry finish.

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