Pro tip: not all amazing wine is found in grandiose, stone-clad cellar doors. Why? Because not every winery pours all its energy into the razzle dazzle; in fact, our favourite wineries tend to put it into the wine itself. So hunt out the cellar doors that have taken special effort to curate a space and menu that reflects their region thoughtfully and authentically. It’s there that you will find great wine. We’ll save you some time by giving you our six favourite cellar doors (in no particular order)…

Black Estate

Perched on the Omihi Hills, there’s no missing the iconically black Black Estate cellar door and restaurant. Black Estate’s cellar door is the gateway to a local food and wine experience that you will never forget. Their wines are as true to our place, our terroir, as it can get. Grown organically, the grapes are guided through to wine without any chemicals, or additives. Locally sourced and seasonal, Black Estate showcases the best produce grown in the region, giving you the most authentic North Canterbury foodie experience. The views will also leave your camera roll at least 100 photos richer.

The Bone Line

Take yourself on a self-guided stroll around The Bone Line vineyard. The short walkway takes you between the vines and provides info boards for you to learn more about the plants and the environment. Surrounded by native plantings, the cellar door provides a chilled atmosphere to learn and indulge in some of the region’s most coveted wines.

Greystone

Greystone cellar door is tucked away off State Highway One and is an intimate space styled to reflect their people and place. It’s not big and ritzy, but it’s home to wines that have won international acclaim, like ‘Best Pinot Noir’ in the WORLD. What?! On top of that, Greystone is home to a food menu that is an ever-changing expression of season including rare, locally foraged goods.

Terrace Edge

Terrace Edge is your first stop along the stretch of road home to the South Bank wineries (Terrace Edge, George’s Road and The Bone Line). Cuddled between vines and olive trees, Terrace Edge cellar door gives you a space to sit back and learn about wine in a completely relaxed environment. While you’re sipping their amazing award-winning organic wines, treat yourself to one of their gourmet toasties.

Pegasus Bay, a winery that needs little, or no introduction. It’s also a rare cellar door with a grand building and genuinely amazing wines. Whether it’s your first or last stop on your tour of the North Canterbury Wine Region, Pegasus Bay’s cellar door will certainly be one of the most memorable. Surrounded by palatial gardens, the cellar door is home to some of our region’s oldest wines and winemaking family, the Donaldsons. Here you will learn about the history of North Canterbury wine and get a better sense of why and how the region got to where it is today.

Georges Road 

It’s not everyday you get to meet the maker of your wine, but at George’s Road, nine times out of 10 you will be warmly welcomed by winemaker, viticulturist, owner… the list goes on… Kirk Bray. Kirk is an incredibly well-travelled winemaker with passion and knowledge that will blow your mind. Knowledge paired with wine that will leave you wondering if you’re in Waipara, central France, or the southwest of Germany. George’s Road is a cellar door not to be missed.

Find more North Canterbury cellar doors here.