Omaha Bay Vineyard OBV
Matakana

by Gail
(Auckland)

OBV - Omaha Bay Vineyards is a very short drive from Matakana...on top of a hill overlooking Omaha Beach, Great Barrier Island, the surrounding peninsula and seascape.It is worth a visit for the stunning views alone!

We had decided to make a day of it and drove up to Matakana for lunch followed by a movie in their very comfortable theatre.

With an hour to kill.... a wine tasting seemed the perfect solution, so we headed up the hill to OBV.

While the board stated we could do a wine tasting of any 4 wines for $5.....Hegman Foster the owner, told us we could taste the full range.If you purchase a bottle of wine you do not pay the tasting fee.

He managed to chat with us and like most vineyard owners loves to tell you about the history of the winery, as well as dashing off to take orders and serve other customers in this intimate winery and restaurant.


OBV Wine Tasting


Omaha Bay Vineyard wines are made from grapes from the vines surrounding the Winery and from Hawkes Bay and Marlborough.There is something special about tasting wines made from the grapes grown on the vines outside the window !


Pinot Gris (Matakana)- We started with the Pinot Gris which had more complexity and flavour than most Pinot Gris I have tasted. It is not a wine I normally choose by the glass because I find it usually too bland....so it was interesting that they say this wine is a "complex food styled white wine to go with seafood, white meats, veal or pork."It was one of the nicest Pinot Gris I have tasted.



The Imposter (Matakana) - Flora 2008 - This was a favourite for me with its distinctive marmalade flavour.While semi sweet....as one who prefers dry wines I loved the fruitiness, and it was not too sweet for my dry palate.This would have been a lovely wine with a cheese and fruit platter.


Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Marlborough) - If you like Sauvignon Blanc this was a classic, tangy Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit and tropical fruit flavours.


Chardonnay 2007(Marlborough) - I really enjoyed this creamy, lightly oaked tropical fruit flavoured chardonnay.


Pinot Noir 2005 (Marlborough) - This was an excellent Pinot Noir with strong berry flavours, and an undertone of smoky spice flavours.


Merlot 2008 (Hawkes Bay) - Not a big Merlot drinker I did really enjoy this rich cherry and plum flavoured Merlot.


Montepulciano 2008(Matakana) - This ws my least favoured OBV red - the rather bitter spices not really to my taste.


Syrah 2007(Matakana) - Now this was truly
delicious. The plum and berry flavours with rich spices... everything I love in New Zealand Syrahs.


Syrah 2007 (Huapai) - While the Matakana Syrah had the edge...this was also a very nice Syrah with similar flavours, made from Huapai grapes in West Auckland.


Restaurant Platters


This winery also has a restaurant with a choice of platters which are just perfect with a glass of wine as you enjoy the expansive views.Gourmet salads and seasonal veges, cheese, homemade dips and spreads, bread and crackers are served.... along with a Kids
Platter.

Open - Wednesday - Sunday in Summer
Friday - Sunday - Winter