Black Estate

A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food. Locally sourced and organic produce gets turned into seasonal lunches every day of the week at this Waipara eatery.

At least 90% of the produce comes from Canterbury and is used to make meals like roast duck leg with quinoa salad and seasonal vegetables; gnocchi with rainbow chard, sage, parmesan and lemon; or catch of the day with cauliflower, potato mash, cavelo nero and clam butter. To finish, try one of their fine desserts ranging black-boy peach pudding to chocolate and Waipara honest mousse, or local cheese with homemade crackers and quince paste.

Cool minimalism is the order of the day here. Unconventional for a North Canterbury winery, Black Estate is laid back and hits a rather stylish note. The walls are painted black (of course) and the tables and chairs are reminiscent of those from your school days. Make sure you grab a seat on the deck above the vines, and while you’re at it, check out their rad little shop selling everything from cookbooks and tea towels to Chemex coffee makers and Sans skin products. Family owned and run, expect excellent, warm and welcoming service.