Edmond de Rothschild Heritage purchased the Rimapere vineyard in 2012. Ideally located in the prestigious Rapaura district, in the heart of the Marlborough region, the 24-hectare vineyard is managed according to sustainable agriculture principles. Two wines are produced here: Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc (20 hectares) and Rimapere Pinot Noir (4 hectares). The name 'Rimapere' means 'five arrows' in Maori. Five arrows are also the Rothschild family emblem, representing the five brothers, sons of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, behind the Rothschild wine business.

Rimapere is located in the Rapaura subregion of Marlborough , the Rimapere vineyard benefits from an exceptional terroir. The cool climate of this region is ideal for the production of Sauvignon Blanc giving this grape variety its freshness, with a pleasant acidity and the typical aromas of lemon and grapefruit.

The Edmond de Rothschild team have recently opened a rather charming cellar door. Offering vineyard tours and tastings Wednesday to Saturday. As part of the broader group, you’ll also find the wines of Akarua and the Bordeaux from the Edmond de Rothschild group here.

RIMAPERE CELLAR DOOR WED-FRI 10:00AM–4:00PM SATURDAY 10:00AM–2:00PM

Established in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs, Akarua has long been a respected source of premium Central Otago wine, with its main focus Pinot Noir.

The company has recently come under the ownership of Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, who having purchased Rimapere in 2012, have expanded their commitment to expanding and enhancing New Zealand’s unique vinous identity.

Drawing on the know-how of local teams and on its own international winemaking expertise, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage’s ambition is to optimise Akarua’s outstanding potential in order to produce the country’s finest Pinot Noir from a single estate, to create elegant wines and exceptional cuvées and to become the New Zealand benchmark in both domestic and international markets.

The Akarua vineyard will begin its conversion to organic winemaking for its 2023 vintage, with a view to holding certification in time for the 2026 vintage. You’ll find available here the wines of Akarua, along with Bordeaux offerings from Edmond de Rothschild Heritage.

AKARUA CELLAR DOOR MON-FRI 10:30AM–4:00PM

When it comes to wine, The Landing has put Northland on the map. The warm and exposed costal climate creates an intensity and complexity of flavour that winemaker, Ben Byrne shapes with a light touch into beautifully balanced wines. The best place to experience The Landing wines is, of course, at The Landing’s own winery.

Beyond wine tastings accompanied by a delicious cheeseboard of Northland's finest, The Landing does Wine Tasting and Lunch, employing the best seasonal produce from The Landing’s gardens and the Northland region, while overlooking spectacular views of the vineyard, native bush and farmland.

The renowned Cellar Door Lunch is the ultimate pier to pier food and wine experience in Northland, beginning when you step aboard The Landing’s private boat at Russell, Waitangi, or Paihia Wharf for a cruise across the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands.

Glass of rosé in hand, tour The Landing's native bush, wetlands, historic sites and vineyard. Afterwards, you'll take a tour of the winery and linger over a chef-prepared lunch as you enjoy the entire collection of wines at your own pace. A trip back to your departure destination by boat completes the day and a food and wine experience you’ll never forget.

The best way of tasting, learning and finding your perfect Allan Scott wine is arguably via their Cellar Door, where a visit, on any day of the week, is the opportunity for you to try any of the brilliant wines they make.

There are no preselected offers, boards or wine exclusions. From premium sparkling wine to exclusive and highly limited Pinot Noir, enomatic machines keep everything fresh and ready to pour.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers lies in the heart of Marlborough’s famed Golden Mile on Jacksons Road, between Rapaura and Old Renwick Roads.

Internationally experienced Head Chef Matt Heath, and his stellar crew from the Picton Food Cartel, have partnered with the winery at Allan Scott Bistro to bring you the best in vineyard dining experiences.

Allan Scott Bistro reflects the Scott family's approach to wine and food, with its casually vibrant, modern-fusion dining combined with perfectly paired wines. All best when enjoyed with friends and family.

From fresh local ingredients to award-winning New Zealand wine, the Scotts have organised everything you need.

ALLAN SCOTT BISTRO MON–SUN 10:00AM–4:00PM

Just ten minutes south of Gisborne is the historic Matawhero winery. On the same site that the pioneering Irwin family founded it back in the 60s, Kirsten and Richard Searle are now custodians and proud hosts of the Matawhero Cellar Door.

Among the vines and olive trees all of Matawhero’s wines are available to taste either individually or in flights. Gourmet and delicious food platters are also on hand and offering wonderful pairing options.

The leafy, welcoming confines of the cellar door are just the beginning. Take a trip downstairs into the underground cellar for a trip into the past of New Zealand wine. Matawhero themselves were the first winery established in Gisborne, with their first vintage released in 1975. Down in the underground cellar you’ll find many of their own back vintages, as well as from some other top Kiwi producers.

Visitors need not travel far either, as Matawhero now also boasts their own luxury cabins right in the middle of their vineyards. These are fully appointed, and available for booking right around the year.

MATAWHERO CELLAR DOOR:

FRIDAY MIDDAY–3:30PM

SAT–SUN MIDDAY–4:00PM

Nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district are local legends Trinity Hill. Their farmhouse inspired cellar door was opened in 1997 and, from it’s vantage point looking across Roys Hill Road to a sea of vines, has become a must-stop visit for anybody with even a passing interest in the area’s wines.

Arrivals at the cellar door are greeted by expansive lawns and plenty of outdoor seating for those wishing to enjoy the bright Bay sunshine. Inside the high-ceilinged building itself visitors are treated to views of Trinity’s Chardonnay barrel hall, resting patiently before bottling.

Trinity Hill’s extensive portfolio are available to taste either in flights or by the bottle, with knowledgeable staff on hand to explain some of the more esoteric and unusual bottlings that they have become known for. Library stock of some classic older vintages are another treat that marks the spot unique.

Drinking in sunshine and wine can be a taxing business though, so fortunately tasting platters are also on hand, and featuring a selection of Hawke’s Bays finest and freshest produce.

The Gravels are just a short drive from accommodation in Napier, and a relatively easy, flat bike ride from Hastings or Havelock North for those wanting to take a bit more time, and perhaps pedal off any extra calories.

TRINITY HILL CELLAR DOOR

WED–SUN 11:00AM–5:00PM

The Cloudy Bay team tell the stories of New Zealand's wine history and showcase the incredible quality of the Cloudy Bay wine range. They immerse their guests in the Cloudy Bay lifestyle, their cellar doors offering more than just wine tasting.

Guests can book private Wine Experiences ranging from vineyard tours to sailing boat charters, choosing the level of immersion and adventure in either of two cellar door locations in Marlborough and Central Otago.

The Cloudy Bay Cellar Door in Marlborough is located at the winery on the original Estate Vineyard and is open seven days a week. During the summer, Jack’s Raw Bar serves fresh, seasonal local produce in an outdoor setting.

The Cloudy Bay Shed is at the Northburn Vineyards, just a five minute drive from Cromwell in Central Otago. In winter, burning fireplaces invite visitors to enjoy a tasting flight in a cosy, warm atmosphere. In summer, the spectacular outdoor spaces are perfect for indulging in a moment of relaxation. All seasons offer both wine exploration in the Cellar Door and fine dining in the lake view restaurant.

CELLAR DOOR

Marlborough

Cloudy Bay Cellar Door| Open 7 days a week | 10:00am – 4:00pm

Jack’s Raw Bar (Marlborough) | 1 December – 30 April | Open 7 days a week | 12:00pm – 3:00pm

The Cloudy Bay Shed (Central Otago)

The Shed Cellar Door | Open Wednesday – Sunday | 11:00am – 5:00pm

The Shed Restaurant | Open Wednesday – Sunday | 11:30am – 3:00pm

Rockburn are consummate vinous creators, their wines, particularly the Pinot Noir, benchmarks of New Zealand’s world-facing offering. Settled into the stunning landscape that is Central Otago, they were always going to offer something special in the way of a Cellar Door experience.

Their Cellar Door set-up looks about as rustic as it can get, and we mean that in a good way. Located in the heart of Gibbston, the corrugated iron-clad Rockburn Stables provides a uniquely atmospheric setting for the sophisticated food and wine offering.

Situated on the historic site where the gold miners’ Gibbston Hotel proudly stood in 1867, you are invited to enjoy the full range of Rockburn’s wines, alongside a selection of delicious dishes.

Nestled between New Zealand’s premier ski fields, Cardrona and the Remarkables, and only a short drive from Queenstown, the Rockburn Stables offer the perfect location for a memorable wine and food experience.

ROCKBURN STABLES CELLAR DOOR

OPEN 7 DAYS 11:00AM–5:00PM

Tolkien once spoke about the words cellar door being the most beautiful in the English language. We think he was probably not wrong, but where Tolkien meant it in a sense disassociated from meaning and purely in terms of aural aesthetics, there exist cellar doors whose locations and environs do further that beauty, and in fact enhance it.

As luck would have it, one such exists within a very brief eagle’s back ride from the Auckland CBD. No eagles, no problem though, because there are ferries and buses available too. We are of course talking about Waiheke’s own Man o’ War Winery.

Slap on your sunblock and shades for the seat on the top deck of the ferry, then hop on the black bus waiting at the terminal. This is no ordinary bus trip though, oh no, no, no. Some of the roads may be rugged, but you’re greeted by some incredible views of the Hauraki and over a hundred acres of vineyard.

Once you arrive at Man o’ War itself things gets even better, with an excellent restaurant, picnic tables and naturally their own award winning, stunning range of wines, available by the bottle, glass or tasting flights. If you fancy a dip the beach is just a stone’s throw from the cellar door.

Green grass, shady trees, blue water and some of the finest produce and wines that New Zealand has to offer, it really doesn’t get much better.

After thirty years in the business, Nga Waka has cemented itself as a ‘must-visit’ winery experience, with the opening of their stunning new cellar door in Martinborough. Owners Jay Short and Peg Dupey, the driving force behind the build, wanted to create an immersive wine experience for their customers and visitors to the region.

The architecturally designed building won first equal in the NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards for Hospitality, the creation of Victoria Read of Aspect Architecture and Landscape architecture by Hamish Moorhead. With its soaring roofline, lots of timber, industrial materials and carefully crafted design elements it is the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of Nga Waka wine nestled amongst the vines and surrounding hills.

There are multiple areas to sit and sip the day away, both indoor and outdoor. The large sliding barn door separates the private tasting room from the main bar area, with a central feature being the enormous copper, steel and rustic timber bar, designed by renowned Carterton based sculptor Brett Harman. The cellar door has been designed to maximise the summer sun, whilst also being a great place to cosy up in the winter in front of the open fire.

Nga Waka’s General Manager Mick Hodson has had over 30 years in the industry and is armed with a wealth of knowledge spanning process, atmospheric influences and stories behind each wine. Mick says, “At Nga Waka we are all passionate about wine, from those who make the wines and tend to the vines, through to our amazing cellar door team Nick Van Haarlem and Orla Stephens Our winemaker Roger Parkinson founded Nga Waka back in 1988, and has been making wines here at Nga Waka since we began 30 years ago. His experience and dedication permeates through the team, and you can taste that in our wines. We love sharing our knowledge and passion with those who visit us, by showcasing our current releases. To add a little difference to our tutored tastings we include wines from our library stock alongside our current releases. We like to think it’s a relaxed but informative session, where you taste the wines, learn something new, and most importantly have a great experience.”

To complement the wines, there is a small menu of locally-produced fare available, including platters of local cheeses, chutneys, olives and specialty pies by the award-winning Clareville Bakery.

The focus of the cellar door experience is wine education and tastings. The cellar door is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am - 4pm. Bookings for a tutored tastings or a table can be made through the website (https://ngawaka.co.nz/cellar-door/) or by phone (06 306 9832). Bookings recommended.