Waiheke - Island of Wine

Saturday was one of the most fantastic days I've had since I moved to New Zealand. We were a group of eight people who decided to spend the day in Waiheke, an island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, located about 17.7 km (40 minutes by ferry) from Auckland. Besides being known for its scenic beaches, Waiheke Island has also become known as New Zealand's Island of Wine due to its climate and soil characteristics.

We decided to go on a wine tour which included the return ferry ticket Auckland-Waiheke; and a bus to take us to three wineries for $115 each. It was a good idea as we were so many, and it's rather difficult to please such a large and diverse group of people. You can book the tour online (http://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations-tours/waiheke/wine-of-waiheke.php), and all you have to do is print the receipt.

We caught the ferry at the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal at 12 pm, but I reccomend getting the 1 pm ferry, as we had to wait at the Matiatia Wharf for the tour bus, which leaves at approximately 2 pm. We thought we could walk around the wharf before the tour in order to know a little bit more about the island, but Oneroa, the closest village, is located about 2.5 km (a thirty-minute walk) from the ferry terminal. We started walking along the Ocean View Road (from which you can't actually see the ocean, by the way), but we had to go back at a certain point not to miss the bus.

Brian, the friendly coach driver, was there waiting for us and other nine people to start the tour. We were a very mixed group, but composed mostly of native-english speakers, such as English, Canadians, Americans and Australians. It was lovely to hear Brian explaining the island's history and its relation to wine culture and to enjoy the view, while on our way to the first vineyard.

The first stop was Mudbrick Vineyard, where we experienced the Premium Wine Tasting. The place is lovely and cozy, and as soon as we arrived there, we were greeted by a very friendly girl and a glass of white Chardonnay. She took us on a tour around the vineyard, always explaning about each of the four different wines we tasted. I left the place willing to go back soon, and to get the chance to dine overlooking the waters of the Harauki Gulf – such an amazing view!

Ridgeview Estate, the next vineyard on route, is one of Waiheke's newest and highest wineries. We didn't dine there either, but as we tasted other five wines, they served us a platter of bread and pastes. It was a relief to able to eat after all the tastings, but the amount of food is not enough if you're hungry! (I highly suggest having lunch and buying a bottle of water before the tour) Besides the snacks, Ridgeview Estate is the one I would skip if I had to choose...

Te Whau vineyard is the last stop on the tour and their wine tastings are definitely worth the wait! Not only does Te Whau have a breathtaking 360 degrees view of the Hauraki Gulf, but it also provides a fun wine tasting lesson and a stunning modern architecture. It was great to be able to compare two types of wine in regards to their colour, aroma and flavour. Definitely a must-see!

Art Connection: http://rachelsmagicalmysterytour.blogspot.com/2009/11/waiheke-island-of-wines.html