Auckland — By theaucklandguide on February 28, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Filed under: Ascension, featuredarticle, matakana, tour, vineyard, wine estate, wine tasting, winery

Amazing Alcohol and Ambience at the Ascension

Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized. So said Andre Simmons, author of “Commonsense of Wine”.

Probably what makes vineyards such a romantic setting. In Auckland, one particular vineyard comes to mind for great wine, stunning wedding venue, and an idyllic getaway altogether — the Ascension Wine Estate in Matakana.

Certainly one of Auckland’s favourite wedding venues, the Ascension Wine Estate’s Spanish Mission-style architecture, critically acclaimed wine, exquisite food and wine selection have contributed to the estate being awarded the 2009 Hospitality Association of NZ “Awards for Excellence, national finalist as Best Restaurant” and “Excellence in Customer Service”, as well as lauded the wedding reception venue for NZ Wedding Magazine’s “Dream Wedding” 2008.

Although the Ascension itself does not offer accommodation, its partnerships with nearby local motels and lodges make bookings simple and easy for guests, be they for weddings, conferences, or a weekend holiday.

As for the wines, Ascension’s “home vineyard”at 48 Matakana Road is set on a single steep, north-facing hillside in Warkworth, just 39 minutes from the Auckland Central Business District. This vineyard has a mix of traditional and very unique grape varieties, wherein each parcel of fruit is hand picked to express Ascension’s unique combination of sunny maritime climate and soils of free draining, iron-rich Matakana clay. Ascension winery recently won the “Best Winery Experience” Manaakitanga Awards 2009.

Ascension also conducts group tastings and tours. The Standard Tour includes a tasting of four Ascension wines and a visit inside the winery, along with an informative commentary. The tour lasts for 45 minutes and costs $15 per person, with a minimum of 10 guests. The Premium Tour begins among the vines (weather permitting) before moving into the winery, where tasting of six premium Ascension wines, including “The Ascent” Reserve Chardonnay, “The Benediction” Reserve Bordeaux-style red, and the ten-year-old “Fortitude” Old Tawny will take place. Duration is one hour and fee is the $20 per person, with a minimum of 10 guests. Last but certainly not the least, is the Super Premium Experience that starts among the vines with a taste of the Methode Traditionnelle prior to proceeding onto the winery, where winemaking equipment will be viewed and an opportunity to sample wine directly from the barrel. Afterwards, the tour will go to the private Mahurangi dining room for tasting of six premium Ascension wines, including the “Epiphany” Matakana Pressings, “The Ascent” Reserve Chardonnay, “The Benediction” Reserve Cabernet Franc, and the ten-year-old “Fortitude” Old Tawny; accompanied with a selection of premium cheeses. This tour lasts for one-and-a-half hours and costs $55 per person, with at least 10 but no more than 19 guests.