Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant - Auckland

One of Auckland's most famous vineyards, it's not just wine-tasting you'll get here, but a full fine-dining a la carte restaurant, and a winery tour. Serious wine buffs will love it.

Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is a living, breathing example of how, with a lot of love and oodles of belief, anyone can live their dream. Bought by Nick and Robyn Jones (with absolutely no experience in the industry), in 1992, Mudbrick has been turned into one of the region's premier wineries.

Wine tastings are conducted at the Cellar Door, where Tristan, 'Irish' or Bob will be glad to talk you through what you're drinking. Special glasses are purchasable as a souvenir of your visit, and the real aficionados can even sample a premium grade wine tasting, to see if they really do know their Malbec from their Syrah.

Visitors are encouraged to stroll at their leisure around the vineyard and exquisite gardens, and delectable snacks can be had at both the Cellar Door and the Wine Bar/Bistro, where you can nibble on some olives al fresco, washed down with a cheeky little Cabernet or two.

Mudbrick's wines are best appreciated accompanied by a gourmet meal in the award-winning restaurant. Most dishes are created with locally-sourced Waiheke produce (such as the Church Bay Lamb and Te Matuku Bay Oysters), and the Mudbrick Cheese Selection is a real treat (if you've any room left...).

Mudbrick's knowledgeable waiting staff are on hand to recommend appropriate wines to complement your meal, and there is even a children's menu, so the whole family can get involved.

For those wishing to indulge in the complete Mudbrick experience, Nick and Robyn have two self-catering houses for rental, both in absolutely stunning Waiheke locations. See their website for full details.