Cuisine Wine

The Lazy Dog

“No dogs beyond this point” is a sign you pass on your way to The Lazy Dog. That’s because there are already four canines in residence (one of whom is Lazy, the huntaway) and while they’re a friendly lot, there’s always a danger things might, well, go to the dogs.

The Lazy Dog, situated just off the Wanaka Rd (SH6) overlooking Lake Dunstan, is a restaurant first and foremost. But it also has a dedicated tasting area where visitors can sample wines from labels that have no cellar door of their own. It’s an impressive line-up of quality producers: Ellero, Kawarau Estate, Locharburn, Misha’s Vineyard, Two Degrees and Valli.

All these labels were specially selected by the wine-savvy owners of The Lazy Dog, Dean and Diana Harker. Just for good measure, the pair have two wines of their own under The Lazy Dog label, the recently released chenin blanc and a gewurztraminer due in 2013.

Our picks Wineries represented here all have their strengths, but a common thread is that each produces a very fine pinot noir. There are generally around 18 wines open to taste, so take your pick.

Plus Chef Dean Harker is South African by birth and boerewors sausages and chargrilled hamburgers have a fine reputation. Many diners go for the option of having a tasting tray of five wines with their meal.