Peacock Sky Vineyard - Waiheke

by Gail
(Auckland)

We had been trying to get to this vineyard winery for a while but never been on the island when it was opened. So we were very happy to arrive around mid day and find the Tasting Room open for business!

Located at the very top of Trig Hill Road, Onetangi, you drive down a long private road to the car park. Wander down the short driveway and you find the winery set beneath the hill. A rustic board and batten barn style building with outdoor tables under the open air roofed area lends a relaxed atmosphere to this relatively new winery. Connie and Rob hail from the US and UK...Connie's accent gives away her roots! David Evans-Gander is the wine maker.

The tasting is unique...it is the first time we have enjoyed a wine tasting where food was paired with each wine. With a restaurant background Connie has some delicious morsels to accompany the wines .....including a chocolate treat at the end! She shares her knowledge and interest, telling the story of how she and Rob came to New Zealand and Peacock Sky, how the name became... and the history of the wines they produce, as she dishes up the food tastings in white china spoons and pours the wines.

Peacock Sky wines have already collected some accolades....not bad for a new vineyard The tasting gave us a sample of 4 wines. .

2010 Chardonnay - This delicious chardonnay made from their own grapes all grown on their Waiheke property was oaked in both French and American Oak giving a creamy butterscotch finish...just how I like it!


2010 Rose - We have been Rose fans for a while and it is becoming a popular wine again in New Zealand. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (83%) grown on the property this was a dry crisp rose with berry overtones.

2009 Merlot Malbec - A blend of Merlot (49%) , Malbec (41%) , Cabernet Franc (10%) this was a truly delicious wine. We are not fans of Merlot but this blend was superb! It was not surprising it had gained 5 stars at the TiZ Wine Tasting and was the People?s Choice winning both Top Tip and Consumers Choice awards?it was our choice too and we had to buy a bottle.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - This was a delicious rich wine with a bronze medal from the Blenheim Romeo Bragato Conference. Plums with a touch of chocolate??paired with a dark chocolate morsel in the roof of the mouth...Mmmmmm..Yum!

We were very impressed with all the wines at Peacock Sky. While the choice may be limited...every one was a delight to the palate. After your wine tasting you can have a platter if you are in need of lunch.

I have deliberately not told you the story of Peacock Sky...you can find out when you visit the vineyard. The Sky part of the name is not what you are almost certainly thinking!