The hilly Matakana region lies north of Auckland and is home to some of New Zealand’s best small producers. Heron’s Flight Vineyard began in 1987 and grows exclusively Sangiovese and Dolcetto grapes – varieties rarely found outside of Italy but which are ideally suited to this corner of New Zealand.  Providence Vineyard uses natural winemaking methods and emphasises French grape varieties – it produces a single variety Syrah (Shiraz) and a ‘Four Apostles’ blend which combines Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec.   All of Providence’s wines spend 24 months in French oak barrels to enhance their complexity, leading to finished wines which can be kept for many years.