When in New Zealand, one must visit wineries!  Right outside out Auckland is a little island, Waiheke, that has plenty of wineries to visit.  We found a wine tour, Taste of Waiheke, to take part in that took you to wineries, an olive oil tasting and a brewery.  Great!

After leaving the ferry we got on a nice bus and sauntered our way to winery #1, Stonyridge Vineyard.  Very nice castle-like look.  This winery is “dedicated to producing the finest Cabernet blends in the world (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) using traditional winemaking.”

Upon arrival we stood just outside the vineyard, right near some olive trees, and learned about the history while enjoying some of their delectable Airfield, a mid-price Bordeaux-style red.

After that were served an amazing lunch!  They whipped up this great nicoise-like salad for me vs. a quiche because of my lactose intolerance.  This was awesome.  Enjoyed that with some very nice Sauvignon Blanc.