5 Reasons to take a Wine Tour
MATAKANA MEMO by Liz Bays | Matakana Tours
From boutique wineries to marine reserves, a sculpture trail, conservation projects and even handmade chocolates, there’s always so much going on in the Matakana region. Passionate about all things food, wine, health and environment, I’m Liz – and I write the Matakana Memo blog to help visitors discover the very best of my beloved backyard.
Self-drive Auckland’s beautiful vineyards or take a tour? Here are some reasons why taking an Auckland wine tour makes so much more sense.
Tap into local knowledge on an Auckland wine tour
You’ve probably heard about stories where frustrated wine lovers drive around looking for best wineries, only settling for the less than stellar experiences because of lack of knowledge on where to go (or how to get there!)
Taking a professional Auckland wine tour sorts solves this problem. The wineries you’ll visit are hand-picked; high quality and boutique, often in beautiful settings. Most Auckland wine tours are crafted and conducted by locals who love their backyard and know it well, so make the most of the knowledge.
2. Don’t worry about the logistics
Leave the legwork of organising the finer details of an Auckland wine tour to locals who know what they’re doing. Don’t worry about cellar door timings or paying tasting fee to the professionals. You’re on a quest to enjoy the best wines Auckland has to offer. Let that be the focus of your day
3. Drinking and driving don’t mix
Even if you spit during your wine tastings, it is not advisable to drive while you are tasting wine. Leave that to the professionals – take full advantage of a friendly drive/guide! Be picked up from your accommodation and indulge for the day without the worrying of getting behind the wheel afterwards.
4. Lots to do, so little time
Auckland is blessed with distinctive experiences in every direction.
Amidst the rolling green hills of the north, Matakana’s wineries boast world-class pinot gris, Syrah and Bordeaux reds. In Kumeu (out west), you’ll find some of New Zealand’s oldest wineries offering fantastic chardonnay and merlot varietals. And Waiheke Island produces intensely flavoured varietals.
For travellers who are trying to fit in a lot in very little time, taking a guided Auckland wine tour makes perfect sense as you’ll also visit favourite local secret spots, not just the most popular ones.
5. Meet the people behind the wines
What makes a New Zealand wine experience so distinctive is the people behind it. Passionate growers, creative winemakers and owner-families who’ve got deep ties to the vineyards you’ll be visiting.
A professional guided tour gives you the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet these people. Hear their stories and admire their passion as you enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Matakana Food & Wine Tour
Many of the boutique wineries in the Matakana Coast region are situated in beautiful, off-the-beaten-track locations – tricky to get to without local knowledge.
Our famous Matakana food and wine tour takes you to wineries and local producers who have been hand-picked for their character, diversity and passion. Spend the day tasting award-winning, boutique wines; talking to the people who make them, listening to local tales from your local guide and enjoying the artisan fare that has made Matakana a firm favourite of foodies. It’s an awesome way to spend a day in Auckland.
- Liz