The Auswine Forum

I'm off to Whaike Island tomorrow (that's late notice I know), any recommendations for wineries to visit? Also any NZ wines in general to try, perhaps North Island - Syrah & Cabernet I'm guessing. Ones I can get in a bottle shop. So far I seem to be seeing the same wines at every restaurant. I've nothing against Wild Earth Pinot, but I can buy that in Oz !

Others will be more familiar with Waiheke than me, but:

- had lunch at Stonyridge yesterday & tasted most of the range. It's expensive to taste at -- they charge per glass tasted -- but the reds are well worth it, esp. Larose & Pilgrim. While I've not tried the '08 Pilgrim which Craig raves about, the '09 was extremely smart.

- Passage Rock, esp. for their Syrah, is well worth a visit

- as is Te Whau (in addition to the wine, restaurant is very good, & has an excellent wine list)

- take a look at Geoff Kelly ( http://www.geoffkellywinereviews.co.nz/ ... icleID=178 )for a very comprehensive & recent overview of Waiheke wines. (Also an excellent source of info for other NZ wines to look out for.)

Cheers
Peter

Good time to visit. Current on sale vintages; 08 was a stunning vintage in Auckland, 09 wasnt too far behind and 10 (prob too early) could be best ever.

Stonyridge - Larose and Pilgrim
Te Whau - The Point Cab Merlot
Passage Rock (if you have a car - Res Syrah and although I havent in the past been a fan of any of their other wines one of their bdx wines I tried a few weeks ago was pretty smart too)
Mudbrick - Res syrah and a great spot on a fine day (though tomorrow is sure to be wet seeing the fcast of aussie leftovers). Their bdx reds lately have done well in shows too though to me their res syrah is clearly the best of the range

Ive also heard Obsidian is putting out some good stuff of late though never been there.

Waiheke is expensive. If you dont mind dishing out a bit of dosh you will have a great time. if you are penny pinching it will be a miserable experience. You spending Aussie dollars so wont be too bad