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REVIEW A perfect day, doing the palatable thing. To have three vineyards of vastly diverse character within five minutes of each other would seem luxuriously overindulgent for wine lovers and trail seekers, but smack on our doorstep in Kerikeri we have such a bonanza.
Whether you're keen to boast Northland's palatable treats to visiting friends or because today is a much needed day out, there is a vineyard line-up to charm and smooth strain into a mellow purr.
The perfect starter to breakfast, the wine of the day is under the jovial and passionate guidance of Cottle Hill's, Mike Webb. With loads of parking and an opening at the tasting bar (the moment you arrive) no matter how seemingly full it is, it's hard not to feel at home in this country wine barn.
With a wealth of knowledge, Mike's unpretentious approach, catering for all tastes and temperature of experience, is reflected in the healthy range of supreme wines.
From the scarily easy-to-drink Bay Breeze and Rose Pinot Noir, to the fat butterscotch Reserve Chardonnays and wickardly robust 98 Cabinet Merlot, there is a drop to please every drinker - even with an option of a seductive light White or gooey golden Tawny Port to send you on your merry way.
Whether you leave with a fresh understanding of wine tasting or reaffirmation of what you do like, Cottle Hill will set some confident footing for you to cruise into a wine trail and to enjoy at your level.
As Mike said,"If you know what you like, you're an expert for you".
Hungry by now? Stop at Marsden Estate to wine while you lunch. A statue of a German Shepherd lies seemingly ready to lead diners to their table.
The restaurant - quality always consistent - is the drawcard of this New Zealand country vineyard. Rest your eyes over the lake to the rows of vines as you tarry over a mellow Tuscan lunch.
Marsden's Pinot Gris (the faultless gift) and the Black Rocks Chardonnay have flown out the door for years.
At Marsden they know what they're good at and they stick to it. An unmistakable Marsden character is present in all their wines.
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Now full and feasted, an afternoon drive to any of the nearby beaches or a sneaky siesta may be required to gather the troops as, next, you'll want revived energy to head to the recentlyopened restaurant at Ake Ake for a cheeky evening meal.
Beautiful French and African jazz and the warm summer night accompany you to a setting of large cane chairs and friendly faces.
There is no lack of stimulation at Ake Ake.
While you wait for the fusion of flavours, indulge yourself in Ake Ake's extensive cellar, teeming with some of every wine lovers' favourites, or roll up for a for a game of petanque to play away the wine. Lastly, a glass of the Ake Ake Ruby Port to cap that smile.
By no means will it feel like a day of wine tasting after wine tasting, although many of us do enjoy that too.
The vineyards of Kerkeri play a medley, each picking up and fruitfully filling the gaps that another skipped. They complement each other in their own uniquely contoured Northland nests.
A newly-released Northland wine and food trail map also features Karikari Estate and Okahu at Kaitaia.
At Russell there is Omata Estate. A recently launched tour company, The Flying Wino, includes Kaikohe's Ivana Winery in its wine tasting tours.
The Flying Wino owner operator is Georgina Garry, 021 964 164.n
Reviewed by Amy Molloy, of Kerikeri, who has worked in the hospitality trade in New Zealand and overseas for the past decade. Most recently she worked front of house at Dine by Peter Gordon at Auckland's Grand Hotel. The Bay Chronicle, Jan 2007.
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