A vine romance

It's all about passion, says the owner of this award-winning lodge and vineyard.

Matakana is an enchanting, fast-growing community, which lies just one hour’s drive north of Auckland and is home to an eclectic mix of artisans, bakers, winegrowers and entrepreneurs who have formed a formidable new foodie destination.

The Farmers’ Market and village shops, a unique cinema, Tawharanui National Park and award-winning Takatu Lodge & Vineyard are some of the many highlights the region has to offer.

Arriving at Takatu, you will be greeted by a breathtaking landscape, manicured lawns and perfect rows of grapevines, all framed by massive glass sliding doors and windows that make the most of the blue sky and the vistas.

Takatu is the vision of Heather and John Forsman and offers a unique experience in the midst of a working vineyard with the highest standards of elegance and comfort. As an international airline pilot, John's profession offered him many opportunities to visit the best vineyards of the world. This firsthand knowledge has greatly influenced him in setting up Takatu vineyard, and has helped to fulfil his long-time passion and enthusiasm to create his own wine.

Takatu means ‘well prepared’ and it is a very apt name for this vineyard, which sits in a perfect microclimate on the north-facing slopes just outside Matakana village. It is sheltered by a mountain range and overlooking the Pacific Sea all the way to Little Barrier Island on the horizon. It has the ideal aspect as it is sheltered from the prevailing cool south-westerly winds and the summer heat is moderated by a gentle breeze from the nearby sea.

After a comprehensive search was carried out to find the best combination of site, soil and microclimate, John and Heather decided to settle in Matakana and started to produce the finest quality grapes, creating ultra premium wines.

Takatu vineyard is very much a hands-on operation, using sustainable viticultural practices and organic principles where possible. Vine prunings are mulched back into the soil and spraying is kept to a minimum. Each vine is hand tended and the harvest hand picked. John is committed to producing wine of absolute quality, including Bordeaux-style reds and a delightful, dry pinot gris. Wine tastings are available by appointment and the wines are also served at some of the best restaurants across New Zealand.

Exquisite hospitality
Once the vineyard was established, Heather was the motivating force behind the setting up of Takatu Lodge.

The modern architectural style of the lodge features natural wood, stone and marble to complement its surroundings. Whole walls of glass allow all day sun and capture the stunning views of the surrounding vineyard, mountain ranges and sea beyond; inside and outside fusing seamlessly as one.

High-vaulted macrocarpa ceilings, open log fires, a cosy library and outside landscaped rooms provide the perfect setting for intimate weddings, small conferences and corporate retreats.
Heather has a diverse background in teaching and marketing, but most importantly a passion for good local food.

From homemade toasted muesli to fresh herbs from the potager and organic berries from the local orchard, her three-course breakfasts are a celebration of the fresh produce that is bountiful in Matakana and surrounds.

Heather and John are gracious hosts who love to share their lodge, their hospitality and passion for excellent food and fine wine. Attention to detail and individual needs are anticipated so guests can unwind in a peaceful setting among the vines.

Takatu Lodge has received the ‘Most Outstanding Accommodation Experience Award 2009’ Tourism Auckland & Rodney Region/Matakana Coast.

For more information visit www.takatulodge.co.nz and www.matakanawine.com
Tamara Rubanowski