Waiheke (Wine) Island

                Our first stop was to Waiheke Island, heralded as a wine lover’s paradise, and listed in Andrew’s 1000 Things to Eat before You Die book. We grabbed the ferry out of Half Moon Bay, just as it was about to push back from the ramp and lift up its giant metal flap that allows for vehicles to drive on and off. We rode the boat for 40 minutes, looking back on the bustling city of Auckland, and forward to the peaceful beaches and rolling green hills of Waiheke.  Once we arrived, we walked up the road to the first winery on our list – Kennedy Point. This vineyard is the island’s only certified organic vineyard, and also happened to be closed for the winter. (Remember, July is a winter month in this part of the world so it’s often cold, rainy, plus the grapes vines are hibernating.) So, our hike continued and we walked to the next nearest vineyard, don’t ask me how many miles or kilometers of a hike it was because I have no idea. All I know is that I reached 10,000 steps on my FitBit and we were still walking.

                Our second stop was Goldie Estate, the oldest winery on the island, established in the 1970’s, producing their first bottles of wine in 1982. I was surprised that there was not a long held tradition of winemaking despite the encroachment of European settlers in its history. Now I know what you are thinking, but thankfully you a wrong and this winery was in fact open. Andrew and I got to taste 4 different wines and sample 4 different cheeses.  The wines were from Waiheke Island, the cheeses were not; they were from all over New Zealand and helped restore my faith in humanity after being so disappointed by the first winery. Basically, a good charcuterie can make up for any disappointment in life! There was soft brie, an Edam, a smoky cheese, and a stinky cheese; all of which tasted heavenly served on the hot, pillowy, locally made artisan bread. I could have stayed there all day! We sat on a loveseat together, sipping there award winning red wine that boasts a hint of violet, munching on crusty fresh baked bread, and savoring the variety in New Zealand cheeses. When our server brought out a portable heater to set by the loveseat I thought for sure I would be moving in! Alas no, our day on Waiheke Island was drawing to an end and we needed to hike back to the ferry; though I threatened to hitchhike if it started to rain. We were in luck and the weather held, and soon we were saying good bye to Wine Island from the deck of the ferry, appreciating the book’s suggestion to visit there.