When you are driving to Lupton Lodge in Whangarei (or heading back to Auckland) and fancy a delicious bite to eat, turn off at Ransom Winery, a couple of kilometers South of Warkworth. It is clearly signposted from State Highway 1. The wines are well worth sampling and the platters are superb. They have a range of platters available depending on your appetite, including a picnic option or sweet treats in summer.
On a dull day in December we stopped for lunch. We chose the wine tasters platter for 2 ($19 per person) – including dips, antipasto, smoked venison salami, cheeses, fruit, veges and freshly baked breads. We accompanied the platter with a glass of Pinot Gris and Rose.
With a table looking out over the picturesque windswept grapevines accompanied by great food and wine to eat and drink we felt like we’d had a much longer break before hitting the road onwards to Auckland. We’ll definitely be back…. hopefully next time on a sunny day b/c the views will be even more stunning!
Vineyard Open Tue-Sun in winter and 7 days in summer, 10am-5pm (3km south of Warkworth, turn left off SH1).Ransom Winery, Warkworth, New Zealand.
