Our first visit was at the end of the summer and we have since returned twice with friends.
The platters are very good and the wines on offer at the tasting are of excellent quality and variety.  We have always gone for the mixed platter which has a very tasty liver pate and other such delights plus, a good range of breads, cheese and crackers. There’s also a cheese platter and one for the kids too. 
The setting is superb. Approaching from the car parking area may, on the first visit, make you think it’s a little run down but, once you enter, you realise the building is very authentic to a ‘cave’. We’ve done quite a few tastings in France and it’s as good as any of those!

Wine tastings take place at the ‘cellar door’ set among large wine barrels. You really feel like you are getting the genuine experience - you can perfect your sniffing and swirling techniques but don't spit it out. Who does that?
The indoor seating area is like a cool concrete ‘tunnel’ that leads out to the outdoor area which has magnificent views north from Whangateau harbour and east across Omaha flats and beyond to Little and Great Barrier Islands. You can’t beat this setting on a sunny day so I recommend you ask for a table outside when booking. Get in early if it’s a holiday weekend or if you manage to get a voucher deal. Even without the voucher, we reckon its good value.

The indoor area can be a little noisy when it’s busy, due to its design and materials and, if you happen to be seated next to a large party of people.

Service is quick and understated. All in all, it’s a good experience but, remember the place is not open for the tasting and platters every day of the week – check the website. It’s about 12 minute’s drive from Matakana and easy to find, on the road to the magnificent Tawharanui Regional Park.