A new book celebrates the winemaking destination of Waiheke Island and the people who've helped to shape it
Over the past few decades, a group of enterprising visionaries have transformed Waiheke, a small island a 45 minute sail from Auckland, into a world-class wine producing region.
In a new book, Waiheke Island: A World of Wine (Beatnik Publishing, $69.95), Kiwi wine expert Clare Dunleavy celebrates this unique destination, while interviewing the wine and food innovators that have been part of its evolution, such as the founders of wineries such as Mudbrick and Soho (see available Waiheke wines to buy at Liquorland in ‘Our Picks’ below).
The book features stunning portraits by acclaimed New Zealand photographer Marti Friedlander (portrait pictures below). Here we share some of our favourite profiles of characters from the book, and give you the chance to win a Waiheke Prize Pack valued at over $100.
?KERYN AND SIMON MATTHEWS, WILD ESTATE + WILD ON WAIHEKE
A Kiwi with buckets of wine and drinks industry experience (Keryn), and a British osteopath who grew up on the island of Guernsey (Simon), the Matthews bought Wild On Waiheke in 2013 following a stint in the UK, and set about re-energising the popular restaurant, brewery, archery and claybird shooting destination, situated on Wild Estate Vineyard. Creating their own small-batch products including condiments (see giveaway details below), the couple are now an established part of the Island’s wine and food community.
KIM & JEANETTE GOLDWATER, GOLDWATER ESTATE
Kim and Jeanette Goldwater planted their first vines on Waiheke in the late 70s, and are considered the godparents of wine on the island, according to Clare Dunleavy. After much learning on the job in the early years, they were soon producing globally-acclaimed wines, and eventually sold the estate – part of which is now operated by the University of Auckland which produces wine under the “Goldie Estate” label on site.
?LOUKAS AND CAROLINE PETROU, CABLE BAY
A couple with close ties to Cyprus, Caroline and Loukas have brought a touch of the Mediterranean to Waiheke Island since they took over Cable Bay. Producing “wines from the vine to the bottle, with every step of the process under their own quality control,” the winery offers spectacular views out to the ocean, and dining options from the grand to the casual, alongside a cellar door for the ultimate experience, (see below to purchase Cable Bay wine at Liquorland).
Now you can sample some of Waiheke’s finest. Toast has one prize pack valued at over $100 to give away, containing a copy of Waiheke Island: A World of Wine (Beatnik Publishing), and a 3-pack Wild on Waiheke Chutney & Sauce range (sold exclusively at Wild on Waiheke), including a Balsamic & Roast Garlic Salad Splash, a Sesame & Mirin Sauce, and a Chilli & Lager Mustard.
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