The Bistro

fireplace Pergola

"It reminded us of good family restaurants in Italy, alive with the enjoyment of company, food and wine. This is a vineyard venue that manages the food side of the business with more style than some of its colleagues." John Gardner, Weekend Herald 'Canvas' June 2010.

"Enjoy lunch or dinner at this top notch kitchen with a dining room sitting among the very vines that you are sipping. Recommended. Highly." - The New Zealand Herald.

 "Ascension... the regional star of Matakana." - Peter Saunders, wine judge and author of 'A Guide to NZ Wines'.

"Here is a vineyard that takes its food as seriously as it takes its wine." - Peter Calder, Herald on Sunday.

Awarded the New Zealand Beef & Lamb "Hallmark of Excellence" every year since 2004.

The Oak Grill Restaurant at Ascension Wine Estate in Matakana, restaurant, cafe, dining.We have grown up with wine at the table, and Ascension wines are crafted with a total wine and food experience in mind.

In addition to the  tapas and 'Small Plates' selection, our signature dishes are prepared over a flaming grill fuelled with real French oak barrel shavings that have been soaked in red wine. These dishes take the marriage of wine & food to a unique level, imparting moisture and a delicate smokiness.

We literally bring the vineyard and the winery into the kitchen and onto your plate. The perfect meal to enjoy with a glass of Ascension wine - which most likely began its life just a few metres from where you sit!

Much of what you will enjoy at Ascension is grown in our own extensive kitchen gardens. Most of our herbs & garnishes are picked from the potager garden surrounding the fountain in the courtyard, while our main gardens behind the kitchen provide a range of fresh heirloom vegetables year round. These are supplemented with ingredients sourced from artisan suppliers around Matakana and Warkworth, and from throughout New Zealand.

The Oak Grill restaurant in Matakana has been awarded the NZ Beef & Lamb Hallmark of Excellence for 5 consecutive years.herb harden

The Oak Grill restaurant in Matakana has been awarded the NZ Beef & Lamb Hallmark of Excellence for 5 consecutive years.We've been awarded the NZ Beef & Lamb "Hallmark of Excellence" in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, won four HANZ (Hospitality Association of New Zealand) national "Awards for Excellence" and been a national finalist 14 times. Come and see for yourself!

 

 


 

Opening Hours

Winter hours (until Labour Day 22 October)

Wine Tasting & Cellar Door Sales open EVERY day...

  • Mon-Fri: 11:00am - 3:00pm
  • Weekends: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Bistro open EVERY day except *Tuesdays & Wednesdays 

  • Mon, Thurs,Fri: 11:30am - 3:00pm (closed Tue & Wed)
  • Weekends: 11:30am - 4:00pm. We are often fully booked on weekends in particular - we recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment on 09 422-9601 ext 1 or restaurant@AscensionWine.co.nz.
  • (N.B. Kitchen closes 15 minutes before the restaurant.)
  • We open in the evening only for private events and functions

RESERVATIONS

To make a reservation for 14 guests or less...
Phone: (09) 422-9601 ext 1, or
Email: restaurant@AscensionWine.co.nz

To make a reservation for 15+ guests...
Phone: (09) 422-9601 ext 3, or
Email: corporate@AscensionWine.co.nz


MENU & WINE LIST - please note that all menus are subject to seasonal change.


MENUS FOR GROUP BOOKINGS (15+ people) - Click to view, or right click and select "Save Target As..." to download.