Auckland Winery Tour

Auckland Winery Tour - Matakana Visit

On Tuesday, following the competition, we had planned to take the ferry to Waiheke Islands with a group of members along with our visiting sommeliers, however gale force winds and a heavy rain warnings precluded this and unfortunately the Waiheke trip was cancelled. 

With some quick thinking Celia contacted David Hoskins of Heron‘s Flight in Matakana and he was happy to accept a visit from Celia and the guest sommeliers.

Matakana is one hour north of Auckland, and in earlier days had over 20 wineries. Today Heron‘s Flight and Brick Bay are the most well-known.

David Hoskins of Heron’s Flight, Matakana

David with our guest sommeliers - Addy Lam, Roberto Lombardo, Kaneko Toshiyuki and Momoka Mitake.

David recounted the story of Matakana.

Heron's Flight Wines.

Map of the old Matakana.

Amphora.

David pours the Amphora Sangiovese.

2022 Amphora  - Amphora Sangiovese.

2023 Passito - Air dried.

David explains the wine.

Lunch at Brick Bay - Brick Bay Wine & Sculpture Trail, Snells Beach

Brick Bay

Brick Bay Petit Verdot

LEIGH SKIN-ON SNAPPER - Braised fennel, balsamic onion, kale, almond skordalia,

raisins, walnuts, caper & vin blanc sauce

SPICED BRICK BAY LAMB - celeriac purée, honeyed baby carrots, pear chutney, dukkah

CARAMELIZED PUMPKIN SALAD - charred broccoli, rocket & quinoa salad, smoked garlic hummus, pecans