Ohinemuri Estate: Boutique Winery and Restaurant in New Zealand's Waikato Region
Ohinemuri Estate is a charming boutique winery and restaurant located in the Karangahake Gorge, New Zealand's Waikato region.
This winery was established in 1989 by Horst and Wendy Hillerich, who have turned it into a tranquil haven for visitors to enjoy their food and wines while relishing the beautiful scenery of this gorge.
History and Location
The Karangahake Gorge is a significant historical location known for its fascinating walking tracks, the Hauraki Rail Trail, and spectacular beauty. Ohinemuri Estate is located in this gorge, creating a fantastic location for visitors to explore while enjoying their delicious wines.
Wine and Food Offerings
Ohinemuri Estate offers wine tastings and winery tours for visitors who appreciate good wines. They have a handcrafted wine-making process that highlights the regional characteristics of the grapes. Visitors can savor the wines with a cheese or charcuterie board, provided by the winery, or bring their own picnic to enjoy in their lovely picnic facilities. The winery has a dog-friendly policy, so visitors don't have to leave their furry friends at home.
Other Services
In addition to wine tastings and picnic facilities, Ohinemuri Estate offers wedding facilities for those looking for a beautiful and serene location for their special day.
The Winemakers and Their Process
Horst Hillerich, the winemaker, honed his skills in the Rheingau region of Germany before furthering his studies in Wurzberg. He then took a five-week holiday in New Zealand in 1987, where he met Wendy in 1988. That was the beginning of a great partnership. Within a year, they had discovered their property in the Karangahake Gorge and began winemaking in the garage on the property. Horst takes a hand-crafted approach to winemaking, highlighting the grapes' regional characteristics.
Best Time to Visit
Ohinemuri Estate is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Summer is the best time to visit the winery.
How to Get There
The winery is easily accessible from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, and Tauranga, making it an ideal stop for anyone traveling in the Waikato region. Visitors can travel to Karangahake Gorge by car or by bus.