PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOOD AND VILLA MARIA.
Premium wine tasting and dreamy vineyard vistas beckon at Villa Maria Estate’s Tasting Room in Mangere, Auckland.
Situated in a volcanic crater, guests can enjoy a bespoke tasting hosted by the Villa Maria wine experts who will introduce you to a selection of phenomenal wines while learning about the provenance and what makes them so special.
Then take a guided walk through the beautiful Ihumātao vineyard to see where the grapes are grown and learn about the winemaking process.
If you’re after a more casual experience, guests can also enjoy the Tasting Room’s new menu and updated library collection of rare wines in the newly refurbished restaurant.
Villa Maria spokesperson, Sarah Szegota, says the team is excited to welcome more visitors in the refreshed Tasting Room offering.
“We are always striving to offer unique and exclusive wine experiences at the Tasting Room, and we frequently have new additions to the library wine list that always includes rare bottles of Villa Maria wines from excellent vintages,” she says.
Villa Maria’s library wine menu is a list of specially chosen wines that have been aged to perfection, in addition to the traditional wine menu.
This selection of wines has been carefully handpicked by a small team of Villa Maria’s most experienced wine experts to be showcased in the Tasting Room, providing guests the extraordinary opportunity to taste premium aged wine, some dating back to 2005.
“The library wine list at the Tasting Room allows our guests to taste and enjoy wines by the glass they may never have tried because of their rarity. For a more personal experience and to learn more about our wines, visitors can also book a bespoke private tasting with one of the Villa Maria’s wine experts,” Szegota says.
Dida Hernandes, Villa Maria Estate Tasting Room manager says, the library includes their highly sought-after Single Vineyard Ihumātao Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer, both being produced from the vines surrounding the Tasting Room.
Each wine is a stunning display of the areas the grapes grow within, from the beautiful Ihumātao vineyard integrated in the 2008 Chardonnay to the hot and sunny Gimblett Gravels where the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot is produced.
Accompanying Villa Maria’s expectational wines is a carefully crafted menu made to enhance the wine tasting experience.
“Our new Head Chef Kevin Balajadia has developed an exceptional menu by bringing his love of French classics and local ingredients, which complement the Villa Maria wines beautifully,” says Hernandez.
Highlights include the mouth-watering Lamb on Celeriac Remoulade, Jus, Venison with Root Vegetable and Sauce au Poivre, Market Fish with Caper, Citrus and Beurnoisette and much more to be enjoyed.
Hernandez adds, “Whether you like to choose your wine or food first, we have the perfect match for you.”
Next time you’re looking for an intimate wine tasting experience or a fun day out with friends, Villa Maria’s Tasting Room has become the perfect destination for Kiwis to experience all year round, whether you want to cosy up inside through winter or bask in the sunshine as we step into spring, so make sure to visit soon.
More information about Villa Maria’s Tasting Room and bookings can be found here.
