Archangel’s cosy little tasting room is tucked away at the back of the secluded Wellwood Gallery, 20km out of Wanaka. The gallery specialises in wood products, so your nose gets tuned up by the scents of waxes, oils and natural wood before any wine tasting starts.

The Archangel vineyard was planted in 2003. The owners are Ian Zurakowski (who works in the oil industry) and his wife Mary. You’ll be served by Mary at the cellar door and she will happily relate the background to the Archangel name, which involves a compelling family story.

The Archangel vineyard, which is just five minutes’ drive from the cellar door in the direction of Cromwell, is planted in pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and riesling. The first chardonnay will be available late 2013.

Our picks All the wines are polished and vibrant, and are made by Pete Bartle. Older vintages can be tasted alongside current releases.

Plus The Wellwood Gallery is owned and run by woodturner Woody McMartin. He crafts beautiful objects from a variety of timbers, a good selection of which is available for sale.