Cuisine Wine

Johanneshof Cellars

Setting
Nestled into the hillside and surrounded by vines, this is a lovely boutique cellar door. It’s unusual in that it’s on the main road to Picton rather than in the Wairau Valley. The wines are outstandingly good and there’s a wonderful underground cellar that you can visit.

Things To Know
As the name suggests, there is a German influence here – both owner-winemakers have strong links with that country. Edel Everling is a fifth-generation German winemaker, and both she and Warwick Foley studied at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute.

Our Picks
The methode traditionnelle is mouthwateringly beautiful. But you can’t visit here without trying the gewurztraminer – it is one of the finest examples to be found in the country and it frequently shines in Cuisine’s tastings. Johanneshof also produce a range of spirits, including grappa and brandy.

Plus
The underground rock cellar was the first to be built in New Zealand, in 1993, and covers a total of 50 metres. It was tunnelled into solid sandstone and is 20 metres underground. Visiting this subterranean cellar is like stepping into the old world of winemaking. Advance bookings are essential.