The Auswine Forum

I'm in NZ at the moment and thinking of devoting a day to visiting some wineries in Waipara. I'm looking for some suggestions, the only one that's definitely on my list at the moment is Pegasus Bay.

I'd be visiting on a weekday. Not a fan of sauvignon blanc but interested in trying all other wines.

Wanted to get up that way a few weeks ago, but missed out due to family committments... duh.

Obviously Pegasus Bay, it's the leading light in the area of course, not really a lot else of major note (especially in winter - many are closed).

So IF they are open, and weekends your only hope, and call first.

Muddy Waters and Greystone would be first on my list.
Mud House looks OK, Camshorn maybe..

Cheers
Tim

Had lunch at Waipara Springs recently. Good value for good wine and food. Not far from Pegasus Bay.

Pegasus Bay
Waipara springs
Muddy Waters
Mountford

15 minute drive across the Weka Pass, turn left at Waikari and visits to Bell Hill and then Pyramid Valley....you'll need to call ahead and make an appointment if you plan on visiting either though.....nice walk from Waikari to a cave to see some Maori cave art...bit of a slog up the hill and hard to find the entry but give me a yell if you want the details.

If I was to pick 3....Peg Bay, Bell Hill & Pyramid Valley.

I'd go to any that are open. Always new gems waiting to be discovered. Problem, as someone mentioned, it's winter and many cellar doors will be closed or 'by appointment' only.
Pegasus Bay is the no brainer.
Mountford (same winemaker but new owners) is getting good raps and I also like the Black Estate wines -both prob appt only, tho'.

If you are heading past Waikiri up to Hanmer Springs, then there's also Marble Point.

The website http://www.waiparawine.co.nz might give you some idea of what is open and what is not.