Setting
De la terre is French for “of the earth”, the significance of which becomes obvious on arrival at the earth-brick-constructed cellar door and winery situated 20 minutes from both Taradale and Hastings. Owner Tony Prichard has more than 30 years’ experience as a winemaker and he’s also a wizard when it comes to craft and carpentry. Not only did he and wife Kaye build the winery and cellar door themselves, Tony also created all the furniture and gorgeous leadlight windows in his workshop next door.

Things to know
Ask Tony to take you on a tour of his unique winery – he may even give you a tasting of unfinished wines from tanks or barrels. Thanks to a new vineyard in the Havelock Hills, De La Terre can now add barbera and montepulciano to its portfolio. A newly opened cafe offers tasting plates and platters and there’s a pizza oven on its way.

Our picks
Go leftfield with rare and antioxidant-rich tannat, or try a citrus-laden viognier or a luxuriously sweet noble viognier.

Plus
Pack the rugby ball or cricket set because there’s loads of room for the kids to run around; and trout-fishing enthusiasts can quiz Tony about the local spots and purchase his home-tied trout flies.