#ShopLocal: Discover Wineries Out West – the new collective of our favourite West Auckland Wineries

By MiNDFOOD

#ShopLocal: Discover Wineries Out West – the new collective of our favourite West Auckland Wineries

Wine aficionados don’t have to venture far to sample some of the best wines the Auckland region has to offer. In fact, for over 100 hundred years, passionate West Auckland winemakers have been producing globally renowned wines. Now some of our favourite Westie wineries, from Kumeu and its neighbouring areas, have decided to team up to help celebrate and promote the region’s rich wine-making history.

Wineries Out West – which you’ll be able to discover just a mere 30-minute drive from central Auckland – is a new collaboration that aims to highlight the collective of authentic, family friendly wineries producing exceptional wine, in West Auckland. The involved wineries include Westbrook, Coopers Creek, Soljans, Babich, The Hunting Lodge, Kumeu River – all of which have a unique offering and can be visited in just one day.

West Auckland wine producers helped put New Zealand wine on the map in the early days of locally produced wine. The vineyards were small, family owned and operated businesses – many still are today – and as a result, the families would often chip in and help each other out. Today, the West Auckland wine community remains a close-knit, passionate group of winemakers.

“Kumeu is a very special place, and one of the historic cradles of New Zealand wine,” explains says Michael Brajkovich, MW Winemaker, Kumeu River Wines. “The wineries in this district, and in the wider West Auckland area, have been working together for decades and it’s that true community spirit and family friendship over generations that make our region unique,” he adds.

While a visit to the Wineries Out West might be out of the question at the moment, you can still support our favourite West Auckland wineries by getting them delivered straight to your front door.

Family owned Babich Wines has been crafting wines for over 100 years. Set et in the picturesque rolling country in Henderson Valley, the Babich Cellar Door has wonderful vineyard views. At the winery, you can taste their internationally renowned wines while discovering over 100 years of family winemaking in a beautifully designed space that embraces the old with the new.

Try: Babich Irongate Cabarnet Melot Franc (shop here)

Brunch at Soljans Estate is the perfect way to start your Wineries Out West tour.

Established back in 1937, Soljans Estate Winery is one of the oldest family owned wineries in New Zealand. There’s an award-winning café on-site which features a menu that’s paired with Soljans Estate Wine, and their comprehensive wine tours, which reflect the rich heritage and five generations of family involvement, mustn’t be missed.

Try: Soljans Legacy Méthode Traditionnelle 2013 (shop here)

Coopers Creek has a reputation for producing classic, regional wines.  Over the summer months, you can enjoy free Summer Sunday Jazz concerts every weekend until Easter – pack your own picnic or try their Cheese & Fruit or Vintner’s platters.

Try: Coopers Creek Kumeu Rose 2019 (shop here)

Kumeu River‘s simple and honest approach to winemaking has helped them scoop up various global awards – most notably for their Chardonnay wine. With 30 hectares of sprawling vineyards across North-West Auckland, their cellar door is worth a visit.

 Try: Kumeu Creek Rays Road 2018 Chardonnay (shop here)

Soak up some sunshine while sampling The Hunting Lodge’s best wines at the Lawn Bar.

The Hunting Lodge is much more than a winery – on the unique 80-acre estate you’ll find a cellar door, winery, roaming gardens, event space, and of course, Hunting Lodge’s award-winning gastronomy with chef Des Harris at the helm.

Try: The Hunting Lodge HomeBlock Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Waimauku (shop here)

Westbrook Winery planted their first vines in 1935, and today the skilled wine-making team proudly embrace a fusion of time-honoured traditional and innovative techniques to produce award-winning hand-crafted wines. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a wine-matched platter in picturesque surrounds.

Try: Westbrook Waimauku Pinot Gris (shop here)

Learn more about Wineries Out West, and start planning your visit right here.

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