Setting
Co-founder and winemaker Brent Park boasts that they source the best grapes from the best regions, and offer tastings to the public at one of the best spots in the country. He is talking about the tasting room at the top of the gondola at Skyline Rotorua (skyline.co.nz/rotorua) with a sigh-inducing 270-degree view of the lakes and the land beyond. The appealing room is both modern and comfortable and, as you sit on one of the bar stools or leather couches while sipping the wine, you could easily forget that you are indeed at the top of a volcanic hill. The recently built winery sits at the bottom of the hill for practical reasons.

Things to Know
Bread and dips, and cheese and antipasto platters are available along with your wine-tasting. The enthusiastic owners and winemakers, Sean Beer and Brent Park, also host corporate events and private dining for large groups.

Our Picks
The Central Otago pinot noir is full-flavoured yet elegant and seductive, while the Marlborough pinot gris offers all the easy-drinking virtues of this popular grape.

Plus
If you’re not into the heart-racing adventures, such as luging, on offer at the top of the hill head to Rotorua Museum (rotoruamuseum.co.nz) in town by the lake.