Ake Ake Vineyard: Sample Fine Wine and Food in Kerikeri, New Zealand
Ake Ake Vineyard is a quaint organic vineyard located in Kerikeri, New Zealand.
The vineyard specializes in producing pinot gris, syrah, and chambourcin wines. The family-owned vineyard is worth a visit for wine lovers looking to sample some of the best food and wines from the Bay of Islands and Northland region.
Wine Tastings and More
Ake Ake Vineyard’s cellar door is open to visitors from Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 4.30 pm. Wine tastings are available by appointment only from 3 pm to 5 pm. The experienced wine staff will take visitors through a tasting of the latest wines and liqueurs while educating them about the family history of the vineyard. This includes an overview of the estate's background, from their roots in Italy to today's beautiful Bay of Islands.
Winery History
John and Aynsley Quenault purchased Ake Ake Vineyard in 2004 and have since been developing the boutique winery. John hails from the Channel Islands, where his family has been wine merchants for five generations, while Aynsley is a native New Zealander who spent a lot of time traveling by campervan in the region. The vineyard is named after the missionary who began grape cultivation in Kerikeri, Marsden Estate Winery, which lies just outside the small town, producing wine from their grapes, as well as for other local vineyards.
Restaurant and Wine Pairing
In addition to wine tastings, Ake Ake Vineyard has a bistro-style restaurant situated amidst the vineyard, offering visitors a beautiful vantage point. The restaurant serves food that pairs well with the vineyard's wines, such as Christmas ham, lamb rack, and greens from their organic farm.
Best Time to Visit
Ake Ake Vineyard is open seasonally, so it is best to check the hours beforehand. The restaurant offers dinner services from Friday to Saturday and lunch services from Thursday to Sunday.
Location and Accessibility
Ake Ake Vineyard is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the Kerikeri town center. It is accessible by car or taxi. Visitors can also arrange for tours from the town center, which may include stops at other local attractions.
If you are a wine enthusiast, Ake Ake Vineyard is an excellent choice to sample some of the best wines and food the Bay of Islands and Northland have to offer.