Cuisine Wine

Heron’s Flight Matakana Vineyard & Winery

Setting

Come down the driveway and you’ll find an unpretentious building, then walk into the friendly, homely cellar door. The wall behind the ancient wooden counter is adorned with an eclectic collection of objects, from carved animals and feathers to tea pots and frayed books. You’ll be trying the wines with owners Mary Evans and David Hoskins, who planted the vines in 1987.

Things to know

It’s all about Italian varieties here – Evans and Hoskins are convinced these beauties are better suited to the climate and soils of the region than French grapes. And you’ll agree when you taste.

Our picks

The cheeky Dolcetto Rosé has great vibrancy and mouth-watering flavours. Also try the Reserve Sangiovese or Reserve Dolcetto: deep, dark and moody, and full of rich fruit and savoury flavours.

Plus

Heron’s Flight sells homemade products from their land and regularly holds “fill your own” days – you can fill your bottles with a special blend that changes every time while listening to jazz and chatting with fellow imbibers.