Cuisine Wine

Karikari Estate

Setting

Does this place have the most spectacular view of any cellar door in the country? If a vista of lush green vineyard, expansive coastal wilderness and endless ocean is your thing, then yes it does. It’s way up on the Karikari Peninsula but the cruisy drive is certainly worth it for the view, as well as for the chance to try some of the most flavoursome wines in the Far North.

Things to know

The cellar door doubles as a cafe serving pizzas and platters with a small selection of traditional bistro dishes. The food is made by the experienced team at the neighbouring Carrington Resort.

Our picks

Fans of big chardonnays will love the Estate Chardonnay and Wild Chardonnay. Reds are equally bold and sumptuous, especially syrah and the Bordeaux blend, Toa.

Plus

You might like to make it a proper visit by staying at the Peppers Carrington Resort (page 22) next door, which sits on 1200ha including a white-sand beach and a championship golf course.