The company crafting New Zealand’s Most Awarded Wines ™ has really come a long way. A few years back, I used to consult to Villa Maria on their advertising and media placement. Back then meetings took place in a sprawling, ramshackle set of offices originally built in the 1960’s, and a modern state of the art vineyard and winery estate was just a glint in the eyes of owner George Fistonich, (now Sir George, and arguably the most respected individual in the New Zealand wine industry).

Now Villa Maria’s sprawling estate is one of the country’s finest wine destinations, and an excellent easy-to-get-to option for relaxed dining in Auckland’s summer sunshine. Increasingly it’s also the ‘go-to’ venue in Auckland for the Day on the Green concert series. The B52s concert in mid-December was our first visit to Villa Maria this summer, but we’ve since returned twice to take advantage of the food with a Mediterranean touch, and well-priced wines at cellar door prices.

Villa Maria’s old and new Auckland bases could not be more different, with the new restaurant and tasting room a study in modernity – all polished concrete, high ceilings and architectural élan. The best place to sit is on the spacious deck under huge market umbrellas; it’s also where the friendly and feathered Merlot will waddle up from Villa Maria’s compact duck pond in expectation of food.

Unfortunately both times we’ve visited, Merlot’s not become a recipient of our generosity. The food’s just been too tasty. Our first visit focused on Villa Maria’s concise summer menu with my Rustic Terrine ($16.50) great for lunch on a hot New Year’s Eve. Packed with chicken, pork, tarragon and pistachio, it goes well with a glass of Riesling. Carol’s Marlborough salmon ($22) on skordalia (Greek-style potato and garlic) and lemon-infused olive oil is a good match with an oaky Marlborough Chardonnay. Dessert is a must, with a shared plate of lighter-than-light ricotta and lemon cheesecake ($8).

It’s on our second visit a few days later that Villa Maria’s qualities stand out even more. A big outside table easily accommodates our group of ten tucking into shared antipasto platters. The platters cover everything from blue cheese and sour dough, to Serrano ham and chorizo, and with wine available by the bottle, it’s all excellent value.

Tucked away near the airport, Villa Maria’s location away from West Auckland’s wine region means it’s sometimes overlooked. It really shouldn’t be, so next time you’re there for a Day on the Green concert, confirm a date for a quieter and more leisurely visit.

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