Posted on by EvelynD

Okurukuru Winery, Taranaki

On a recent trip around Taranaki to take in a few of the Fringe Garden Festivals gardens [well worth the visit], we (Evelyn) came across Okurukuru | Okurukuru Winery
| Taranaki out on the Surf Highway in Taranaki.

Okurukuru is a West Coast vineyard with associated Luxury accommodation, Cellar Door, The Vineyard Bistro restaurant and extensive Function Centre.

They are a small operation and only make four wines, but they’re certainly different and worth a visit. The grape variety that survived on their, at first, exposed plot of land was Plantet and were obtained from a retired Kiwifruit grower, Mr Vern Evans. This is a red berry. Mr Evans had himself been gifted this grape variety from a friend who ran a nursery.

They also have accommodation on location, either Studio Apartments or Chalet Suites and are only 10km from New Plymouth CBD.

Our tasting was of all four of their wines and cost us $20 p/p. Their wines, all included in the tasting are:

  • Okurukuru Rosé – grown in Taranaki – presents inviting floral aromas and a mealy of vibrant red berries on the nose. The palate reveals a harmony of ripe strawberries, luscious cherries and a refreshing hint of watermelon. This rose delivers a balanced and delightful sip that lingers elegantly.
  • Christine Sparkling Rosé – grown in Taranaki – produced in the methode traditionelle style this rose, made from grapes picked from the Taranaki Vineyard, has a fresh, clean finish. This wine is gently expressed on the nose showing raspberry, lemon zest, apple and spice aromas, followed by a lively palate that is juicy and mouth-watering.
  • Sauvignon Blanc – grown in Marlborough for them – produced from our sister vineyards in Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc boasts inviting aromas of ripe tropical fruits, where juicy passionfruit and sun-ripened mango take centre stage. The palate is greeted by a harmonious blend of zesty citrus, succulent stone fruits and a subtle herbaceous undertone that adds complexity.
  • Plantet [French Style Red] – The Plantet is produced from selected grapes in the Taranaki vineyard, maturing for nine months in seasoned French barrels prior to bottling. Bright and fragrant, the bouquet shows dark cherry, plum, floral and subtle spice aromas, leading to a juicy palate that is nicely rounded and smooth. This wine offers youthful charm and vibrant fruit flavours, finishing long and silky.

They also have a restaurant on-site and we had polenta chips flavoured with Rosemary and Chilli with our tasting. All in all a lovely vista, different wines and great food for an afternoon experience.

As they are a small and unique vineyard their prices are way above what we expect to pay at the supermarket, but if you want something different and are up in Taranaki, it’s worth a tasting experience!

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