With three straight rainy days in Auckland we decided to get out of the city and try the wine on Waiheke Island. Enough grey already, let’s drink. Although known as a summertime playground, wine on Waiheke Island can be enjoyed year around… and we were off to do just that.
Scenic Route
Our day of sampling wine on Waiheke Island began with the scenic 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland’s Queens Wharf – or at least we were told it was scenic.
This ” imagine it on a summer day” theme continued with our wine on Waiheke Island Guide taking us to some amazing vantage points. “On a clear Day you can see Auckland tower”
Not today. Let’s drink
Wine Time
Our first stop on this wine on Waiheke Island tour was Stonyridge, the second oldest Vineyard on the island… and we had it all to ourselves. There we were greeted and guided through the cellar while being filled in on how wine on Waiheke Island came to be. Turns out the climate on the island is ideal for grapes. It gets more sun and less rain than Auckland and is said to be on par with Bordeaux weather-wise.
Along with a late lunch we sampled some of the best wine they have to offer. Intrigued by their malbec and shiraz blends, two wines we fell in love with in Argentina and South Africa respectively, we ordered another glass. Why not. It’s raining out.
Another wine on Waiheke Island stop included Mudbrick, a beautiful property where the clouds cleared just long enough to enjoy the view…but not long enough for me to get a picture of it. The wine though…
On the lighter Side
This wine on Waiheke Island tour included a couple great stops beyond grapes. Turns out the island is also ideal for growing olives. At the Rangihoua Estate we got a behind-the-scenes look at the process of making olive oil, from branch to plate. We even sampled some of the award winning oils including ones that have beaten out brands from Greece and Italy.
Wild on Waiheke is a great alternative to the white tablecloth vineyards in the area. Gone is the pretentiousness (not that there was much), replaced with beanbag chairs, craft beer, and laser skeet shooting… because that’s a thing.
Go Your Own Way
Another highlight of this wine on Waiheke Island tour is the option to leave when it’s done or explore on your own. Your ferry ticket is open and includes transportation on the islands local bus. We took full advantage of the latter to explore the local shops, cafés, and beaches – only strengthening the case for wine on Waiheke Island, rain or shine.
Wine on Waiheke Good to Know
Tour Cost: ~$114 CAD
Includes: Transfer, guide, lunch and wine tasting
Don’t Miss: Olive oil and wine tasting and the views!
What say you?
Thoughts on Wine on Waiheke Island?
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For more reviews from New Zealand and beyond see HERE.
— Waiheke Wine Tour via Viator —
Although I was provided a complimentary Waiheke Tour thanks to Viator,
the experience, opinions, and making the most out of a rainy day was my own.
