Credit: Young Adventuress
Wineries in North Canterbury
It’s a badly kept secret that North Canterbury Wine Region has some of the best wineries in New Zealand.
International and domestic awards continue to pour in for Waipara’s vineyards, from the likes of Air New Zealand, New World, Cuisine Magazine and more.
If you’re yet to visit the cellar doors of Waipara, grab a crew and explore these top vineyards within an hour of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Pegasus Bay Winery
One of the North Canterbury’s most iconic vineyards, start your tasting experience in the cellar at Pegasus Bay. Soak up the heart of the winery beside aging wine, and fall in love with the science and art of wine making. Visit the Mini Deli for a thoughtfully selected range of bites to create your own antipasto. Family owned and operated, the manicured gardens, ponds and footbridges will transport you to another place and time.
Good for:
- Courtyard
- Casual
Credit: Young Adventuress
Greystone Wines
Greystone’s exceptional, hand-crafted, organic vintages show the connection between bottle and backyard. One of the first wineries to succeed with natural ferments, they are innovative to the highest degree. The team is genuinely committed to protecting their eco-system, composting their grape skins, and building their menu on local foraged ingredients. They recently claimed the ‘best in the world’ award for one of their Pinot Noirs.
Good for:
- Courtyard
- Casual
- Organic
- Dining
- Wine Club
Black Estate
With its striking architecture, organic wines and refreshing approach to food, Black Estate is a must-visit. Their menu is so local you can often see the farm from the restaurant. Seasonal lunches are complemented by their award-winning wines. For something special, treat yourself to a Pét-nat, a wine that honours traditional sparkling wine. Think light, natural and fizzy all over. A delight for a sunny afternoon.
Good for:
- Casual
- Courtyard
- Organic
- Dining
- Wine Club
Credit: Nancy Zhou
The Terrace Edge
Rolling hills, lush grass and endless vine views, Terrace Edge if your ideal afternoon destination. Elegant yet simple, with polished concrete floors, white walls and scandi-esque fixtures. Their tasting shed resembles a friend’s lounge whose style you envy. Sample award-winning organic pinot noir, syrah and rose, enjoy home-grown olives and oils. Peckish? Tuck into gourmet toasties of sticky pork, braised beef or a variety of other combos.
Good for:
- Courtyard
- Casual
- Organic
- Wine Club
Torlesse Wines
Torlesse Winery started life as a farm woolshed, converted in 1987. Their cellar door has the rustic-charm you’d expect from an old woolshed, with grapevines draped over the entrance. Torlesse prides itself on hand-crafted wines – be sure to check out their award-winning Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re just beginning your day, hire one of their bikes to get around a few more Waipara wineries.
Good for:
- Casual
- Bike hire
Credit: Nancy Zhou
Georges Road Wines
Want to really get close to Waipara wines? Head to Georges Road Winery. You’ll be treated to tastings hosted by Kirk Bray, head winemaker and owner. His winemaking is intentional and small-scale, creating unique and unmissable wines. Kirk guides visitors through the glasses, surrounded by barrels nursing his next vintage. If you plan on sinking a few glasses, you can always book out their amazing on-site tiny house.
Good for:
- Casual
- Private events
- Tiny house
Put together with the help of our friends at Neat Places and the Young Adventuress.
Find out how to get there with the Alpine Pacific Touring Route.
Learn more about the 100 other vineyards in the North Canterbury Wine Region.
Alpine Pacific Touring Route
Explore the Alpine Pacific Touring Route encompassing Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs, Waipara and Christchurch - 450km of spectacular!
