Cuisine Wine

Black Estate

Setting
This coolly minimalist, Richard Naish-designed building (painted black of course) is perched high on the Omihi Slopes, overlooking the three vineyards in the valley.

Things to know
Black Estate was established in 1994, but the Naish family took over in 2007. Since then, they’ve been creating tiny amounts of sensational wine, thanks to winemaker Nicholas Brown (who’s married to Penelope Naish). The wines are about as hand-crafted as you can get – right down to kick-starting ferments out in the vineyard while the fruit is being harvested.

Our picks
For pinot noir with succulence and plushness, sample the Damsteep Pinot Noir. The Netherwood Rosé oozes juicy, cranberry-laden crispness, while Black Estate’s Omihi Series Chardonnay is considered one of the finest in the region.

Black Estate Tasting Room & Eatery
Whether it’s a snack of roasted Waiau hazelnuts, shelled on site; a caramelised garlic and goat’s cheese tart; or something more rib-sticking like pan-seared beef medallions, local produce is definitely the hero here, right down to the crumble of the day for dessert and the Chemex-brewed Lyttleton coffee.
Hours: As for cellar door.