Pukeko Junction Cafe & Deli

Pukeko Junction Cafe & Deli Review

There is no specified wine trail or information center in the valley, but a good place to start your visit is the Pukeko Junction Cafe & Deli at Leithfield, on the main road 10 km (6 mi) south of Waipara. Rather than a cellar door the center is a café, wine shop, information bureau, and gallery rolled into one. There's a solid range of local wines, often at particularly good prices, many from smaller wineries not open to the public. The café has an excellent range of light food, such as quiches, chowder and salads, and is famous for its thick, luscious cakes, layered with ganache and cream. It's a busy spot at lunch time but they will hold a table if you call ahead.