We’re fairly sure the general consensus about red wine is that it’s good for us. And cheese? Well cheese has all that calcium that’s good for our bones and teeth which basically means that partaking in the practice of a glass of wine over some excellent fromage at the end of your day — all in good company, of course — is as good for us as getting out there and going for a run. Well maybe not, but it’s certainly better than doing nothing at all (if you don’t believe us, then you should probably enlighten yourself on the theorising behind the French Paradox). So make haste people as the weather picks up and head along to the following destinations that will look after your cheese-eating, wine-imbibing needs in a manner fit for royalty.
1. La Forchette
A favourite local Saint Heliers haunt, this is proper beautiful French cuisine so of course you can count on their cheeseboard being a bona fide Gallic version.
2. Meadow
The market cheese board is just the order at this Meadowbank haunt and is available in two different sizes depending on how much or how little you’d like to indulge.
3. The Grove
With a formidable line-up of wines alongside an evolving selection of local and French cheeses, if you’re not devouring this at the end of your degustation, you might like to sit out on the terrace and order a cheese plate of your liking.
4. Cable Bay
We couldn’t orchestrate a more perfect environment if we tried. The ‘fine cheese board’ is what you want to order to sufficiently while away a sunny afternoon at The Verandah.
5. Apero
They’ve developed an excellent reputation for their grazing style of hospitality with the simple things such as great wine and some excellent cheeses being pivotal to this.
6. Osteria
With a dedicated Mozzarella Bar, we wouldn’t think we need to provide much more of an incentive to install yourself at this new(ish) Italian Parnell resident.
7. Archive
This Waiheke newcomer is making a name for itself for the shared plates we’re partial to when taking the beloved trip offshore.
8. Paris Butter
A perfect place for capturing the light of the finer afternoons in Herne Bay, Paris Butter usually offers the classic Brie de Meaux options alongside one or two others with bread.
9. Andiamo
This long-standing Herne Bay eatery is one place we can count on for all-day hospitality such as a plate of Castelbello and Gorgonzola served with orange marmalade and crackers.
10. The Glass House at Brick Bay
They’re renowned for their shared plates post sculpture trail but The Glass House offerings are seriously next level. An afternoon spent here is well worth the day trip.
