The North and Central parts of the North Island aren't very good for growing wine grapes. They get a lot of rainfall during the growing season and lack the loose, easily-draining soil of traditional wine areas -- these factors also make them more attractive as farmland. Most domestic wine is grown in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.
Two wine regions near Auckland are Waiheke Island and Matakana. I went to three stores before I found anything under $25, and ended up with two Malbecs from Matakana of 2006 and 2008 vintage. The 2006 is good enough to keep all to myself, while the 2008 I may share with others (especially if I run out of cheese).
Now cheese, as an extended process, can be tricky to pinpoint. It is processed from milk solids which are typically collected in centralized depots before being distributed to specialized plants around the country. Puhoi Valley cheese is curdled, processed and ripened entirely in a rural area north of Auckland and comes in a variety of types. I chose Brie because it is soft without being watery, and it is one of my favourite foods to have with wine.
Sitting comfortably in my apartment with cheese at one hand and wine in the other, I have all the equipment one needs to feel smug. It's hard to believe that just two days ago I was dashing around local stores desperately trying to bolster my pantry beyond what would probably have been an LD50 dose of apples.
I have fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, wine and honey. This may just be the wine talking, but I feel like the Tutankhamun of a local Food Pyramid.
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