Wine Island. Such an evocative name. Of course I had to visit a place named Wine Island!
The island’s official name is Waiheke and it’s just a short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand. The climate is perfect for growing wine grapes. Not surprisingly, about 30 wineries are dotted around the idilic isle. There are also beautiful beaches, but let’s be honest, I went for the wine tasting and the food.
To make the most of the day, I got up early, skipped breakfast, and caught the 8:00 ferry.
The island’s official name is Waiheke and it’s just a short ferry ride from Auckland, New Zealand. The climate is perfect for growing wine grapes. Not surprisingly, about 30 wineries are dotted around the idilic isle. There are also beautiful beaches, but let’s be honest, I went for the wine tasting and the food.
To make the most of the day, I got up early, skipped breakfast, and caught the 8:00 ferry.
From the ferry's deck I had a terrific view of Auckland’s skyline and The Port of Auckland.
The port has massive ship-to-shore cargo cranes, operates 365 days a year, and handles $27 billion in trade annually. That's impressive!
The ferry chugged out of the harbor. A pleasant forty-five minute ride took us across Half Moon Bay to the landing at Wine Island. I had several choices for transportation around the island: a fancy tour bus, a hop-on-hop-off bus, or a bicycle. The bicycle sounded like fun until I noticed the island's hilly terrain. Then there was the problem of me cycling on narrow roads after several glasses of wine. Wisely, I chose the hop-on-hop-off bus.
First stop was the tiny village of Oneroa. I was hungry! Happily, several cute restaurants were right next to the bus stop. Two overlooked Oneroa Beach. I chose the one on top of the hill.
The ferry chugged out of the harbor. A pleasant forty-five minute ride took us across Half Moon Bay to the landing at Wine Island. I had several choices for transportation around the island: a fancy tour bus, a hop-on-hop-off bus, or a bicycle. The bicycle sounded like fun until I noticed the island's hilly terrain. Then there was the problem of me cycling on narrow roads after several glasses of wine. Wisely, I chose the hop-on-hop-off bus.
First stop was the tiny village of Oneroa. I was hungry! Happily, several cute restaurants were right next to the bus stop. Two overlooked Oneroa Beach. I chose the one on top of the hill.
The view from my table in the restaurant was gorgeous!
My breakfast bill paid for that view: $17 for eggs and bacon! But the food was delicious and I was fortified for my day's adventures.
The next bus arrived 10 minutes after I finished breakfast. I hopped on and rode it to Onetangi Beach where I lingered until 11:00 when the wineries opened for business.
The next bus arrived 10 minutes after I finished breakfast. I hopped on and rode it to Onetangi Beach where I lingered until 11:00 when the wineries opened for business.
Someone built a simple sand castle on the beach and decorated it with clamshells, knowing the incoming tide would wash it out to sea.
Two birds—one black and one white—hung out together, hopping along the seashore looking for food. I thought it was unusual for different species of birds to be together, but these two seemed to be working as a pair. I tagged along behind them for a while, watching them pick through the sand. I walked along the shore until 11:00 when it was time to catch the bus back to my wine tasting experiences.
How to choose among 30 wineries? I decided on three whose descriptions sounded interesting and that were fairly close together on the bus route. I hopped off at the first winery, walked up the long gravel driveway, and was greeted by a sign that said it was closed that day. Disappointed but undeterred, I walked to the second winery.
How to choose among 30 wineries? I decided on three whose descriptions sounded interesting and that were fairly close together on the bus route. I hopped off at the first winery, walked up the long gravel driveway, and was greeted by a sign that said it was closed that day. Disappointed but undeterred, I walked to the second winery.
Stonyridge Vineyard was open for business. Along with wine and wine tastings, the vineyard had an excellent restaurant.
From the road I saw an inviting red brick two-story building covered with ivy. Wine casks defined the entrance. I saw people mingling on a deck, decided that’s where the wine tasting was held, and went up to join them. There was a nice selection of wines available for tasting. I was primarily interested in their Sauvignon Blanc, signature wine of New Zealand, which is my favorite white. I hadn’t found any in Spain and was excited to drink it again.
Although I wasn’t quite hungry yet, Stonyridge’s lunch menu looked appealing. I took my three wine tasting pours to an outdoor table and ordered lunch. The day was warm, but the restaurant deck was shaded by an ivy-covered arbor. While waiting for my order I enjoyed chatting with the waiter, who had deep knowledge of wine, the wine-making process at the winery, and the terroir of Wine Island.
Although I wasn’t quite hungry yet, Stonyridge’s lunch menu looked appealing. I took my three wine tasting pours to an outdoor table and ordered lunch. The day was warm, but the restaurant deck was shaded by an ivy-covered arbor. While waiting for my order I enjoyed chatting with the waiter, who had deep knowledge of wine, the wine-making process at the winery, and the terroir of Wine Island.
My lunch arrived, beautifully plated. The filet was tender, perfectly prepared, and hands-down the best I had ever eaten! The wine pours were a lovely complement. I tasted the Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and of course the Sauvignon Blanc.
I lingered a while, enjoying the cool deck and view of the grape-growing valley. But another vineyard was close by and I was eager to try their wines too.
I lingered a while, enjoying the cool deck and view of the grape-growing valley. But another vineyard was close by and I was eager to try their wines too.
Wild On Waiheke Winery was just a short walk down the main island road. This winery was casual, with picnic tables and wood chairs shaded by canopies, and kids running around. Charming and relaxing. I decided to compare the wines here with those I tasted at Stonyridge: Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, and Sauv Blanc.
I had passed on dessert at the previous winery so my (possibly faulty) logic said I could order it here.
A bowl of berry-filled meringue with mango sorbet arrived at my table. Delicious! The wines were very good, especially the Sauv Blanc.
Although it was early afternoon, the day was becoming hot and humid, and I’d had my limit of wine. Three tasting-size pours at two wineries equalled about two normal-size glasses of wine. Let’s face it. I’m a cheap date. I was very glad I hadn’t opted for touring on a bicycle—the bus ride back to the ferry landing was many miles. It would have been challenging for me to manage the hilly terrain in the heat, even without a wine buzz.
Although it was early afternoon, the day was becoming hot and humid, and I’d had my limit of wine. Three tasting-size pours at two wineries equalled about two normal-size glasses of wine. Let’s face it. I’m a cheap date. I was very glad I hadn’t opted for touring on a bicycle—the bus ride back to the ferry landing was many miles. It would have been challenging for me to manage the hilly terrain in the heat, even without a wine buzz.
Wine Island was delightful! Next time I’ll stay overnight to have more time for enjoying other wineries and the beaches. But it was time to head back to the mainland.
I appreciated the breezy, cool ferry ride back to Auckland. I arrived in the harbor with enough time left in the day to visit Auckland Museum's Maori cultural exhibition. And that will be another post.
I appreciated the breezy, cool ferry ride back to Auckland. I arrived in the harbor with enough time left in the day to visit Auckland Museum's Maori cultural exhibition. And that will be another post.
