Breathtaking.

Every time someone asks me what I thought of Man O’ War Bay and Winery I say that it took my breath away.  I knew that Waiheke is beautiful, but I didn’t realize quite how much until I made this drive.  Every day I continue to be amazed by this island.

I wanted to stop the car every 50 feet for a photograph.  That’s how beautiful.  Narrow winding roads made me feel like we would drive right off the edge into a sea of green hills.

Maybe I have just been out of the loop my entire life, but I really don’t think Americans realize that places like this exist.  When imagining a private oasis growing up, I always thought of somewhere similar to Hawaii with endless beaches.  Waiheke definitely has that but, the eastern side of the island is somewhere I would imagine celebrities getting away to just kick back and enjoy life.

At Man O’ War Vineyard, enjoy a free wine tasting as a reward for the long, slightly dangerous drive out to the winery, but you won’t get away without spending money.  The front lawn of the tasting room is spread with picnic tables and bean bag chairs looking out at the stunning Man O’ War Bay, where you should enjoy a refreshing glass of 2009 Ironclad Bordeaux or 2013 Valhalla Chardonnay and an antipasti platter.  At least that’s what I did… and I’m serious. It’s the proper way to go.  Man O’ War also makes their own olive oil and honey, which you can sample before undoubtedly buying at least one bottle of each.

So far I have visited seven different wineries for tastings and enjoyed meals at four.  Man O’ War is my absolute favorite so far.