For award-winning wines…

Greystone (76 Omihi Road, Waipara. greystonewines.co.nz) is the kind of winery about which people talk. Ask a local or a wine enthusiast where to sip a chardonnay or a pinot noir in the valley, and they'll likely suggest here. Winemaker Dom Maxwell was a vineyard hand when the winery first opened and has since made a name for himself, being honoured as NZ Winemaker of the Year in 2018 by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine. The limestone-loving organic pinot noir is a standout, but for something a little different, try a glass of the pale rosé.

For a wine with lunch...

Black Estate (614 Omihi Road, Waipara. blackestate.co.nz) is almost as dedicated to food as it is wine. Head chef Grant Soeberg keeps the winery's menu rotating with seasonal, organic ingredients from local suppliers. Think fettuccine with fresh truffle, line-caught tuna sashimi and barbecued lamb. The wine, like the food, is organic and grown biodynamically. Enjoy a glass of Netherwood Pinot Noir and, for a more relaxed meal, pair with one of Grant's famous pies from the food cart onsite.