Me and my work colleagues decided to do a weekend trip to the well known Matakana Market, 1 hour away from Auckland. Matakana Coast Wine Country stretches along meandering river valleys and a stunning coastline from Puhoi in the south to Pakiri in the north. Our quest was a fine bottle of wine, brunch in a vineyard and of course admiration of the hipster market.
Our trip started on Saturday, well it kinda started in the morning, but my colleague couldn’t start her car (old battery) so we actually started our yummy journey midday 🙂 Finally we arrived at the vibrant farmer’s market which is a focal point for locals and growers to meet. Luscious produce from the area fills the stalls – fruit and vegetables, delicious home baking and Italian-style sausages, divine organic chocolate, fine wines and boutique olive oils, locally-brewed beer, the all-important morning coffee and live music as an accompaniment. And OYSTERS!!! Oh how I fell in love with them 🙂
Next stop was Ransom Vinery. Once the “fruitbowl of Auckland” the Matakana Coast is now home to a flourishing wine industry. These are innovative, quality-focussed wineries, small and mostly family-owned, some with cafes/platters. Oh yes the platter was just incredible! Variety of local cheese and meats with fresh veggies. The wine was ok, not that great to be honest.
At the end of a memorable day, we returned to our lovely barn, where we were treated like a long lost friend rather than a visitor 🙂 It was so warm and with character. The whole town is filled with great energy and only 45 minutes from Auckland, but a world away!
More about Matakana coming up!
