Food and Wine Trail

Northland’s Food & Wine Trail

Research has shown that visitors are looking for quality food and wine experiences as part of their visit to Northland. A Food and Wine Trail helps visitors become more aware of what’s grown and produced in the north and can showcase the best of what Northland has to offer.

Visitors are keen to taste, learn and more importantly buy – therefore informing and educating visitors about how certain plants grow and how the fruit can be used also plays a vital role.

Who qualifies to be on the Trail?

Quality and freshness are critical factors. All stops on the Trail must deliver a worthwhile visitor experience that highlights Northland produce in one or more of the following categories:

Taste, learn and buy

1. Farm Gate

Trail members in this category will have their own fresh produce available for visitors to taste and buy. Farm gate outlets will actively encourage tastings, and provide information about their productS and its production methods in a style that will ensure a food experience to remember. All produce must be top quality, be locally grown and displayed in a manner appropriate to the product.

2. Artisan Producers

Trail members in this category have identified a niche market and create a delicious food product that is wholly made in Northland. Visitors will be welcomed into the retail side of the factory setting/production facilities. As with the Farm Gate members, there is an expectation to provide education about products, tastings and/or viewing of the production facilities/processes where possible. Examples of this category are artisan smallgoods, baker, chocolate, jams, and sauces. All valued-added products must be made in registered premises and meet all the necessary food regulations and labeling requirements.

3. Wineries

To participate a cellar door is required so visitors can sample local wines. The Trail will be a key vehicle to promote and market Northland wine locally, and to domestic and international visitors.

4. Culinary/Food Activities and Excursions - Guided Food Experiences

Members will provide a service or event where there is education, entertainment and/or promotion of Northland food products.

5. Restaurants, Cafés/Bars & Winery Dining

Trail members in this category will be fully committed to showcasing the best Northland produce to their guests. Members will actively seek out and promote quality local produce, both fresh and processed, on their menus. A changing menu will reflect the seasons and what’s available in Northland at the time. Staff will be knowledgeable about products and their source. Where appropriate, menus will name the specific Northland produce used. A minimum of three menu items should highlight local produce. The ‘Northland Naturally’ logo can be used alongside signature dishes on the menu, provided the main component is Northland grown/produced.

Menus will be checked initially, and any amendments must be faxed or emailed to info@enterprisenorthland.co.nz to check they still comply, in order to retain the use of the Naturally Northland logo. Random visits will also be made to cafés and restaurants.

 Criteria for Trail participants

• Sell or use products grown or made in Northland (as defined previously)

• Open four days a week (ideally weekends) for at least three months of the year. (If you are by appointment only you will be categorised as such.)

• Have convenient access to site

• Provide adequate off-street visitor parking

• Knowledgeable and courteous employees 

• Staffed throughout stated opening times (Honesty box stands maybe considered if information sheets are provided)

• Provide clean, authentic surroundings, with appropriate visitor facilities and services

• Have clearly priced produce/products

• Provide accurate information/education displayed appropriately

• Observe all laws and regulations appropriate to the business particularly those governing the sale of food goods and service

• Display all signage prominently at the gate and other points to attract visitors

Entry will not be automatic and participants will be selected based upon:-

• Meeting the eligibility criteria
• Location. Note: The trail aims to promote products from around the region, ideally located, but not limited to, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway or State Highways
• Availability of the produce eg Seasonality
• Variety and point of difference

A letter of understanding will need to be signed by all participants with Enterprise Northland.

 Brochure listings

The listing will include the name of your business, address, phone, fax, mobile, email and web address, plus a maximum of 10 words to sum up your specialty.

The signage consists of an A3 size polyurethane sheet displaying the Naturally Northland logo plus the wording ‘Food & Wine Trail’. All participants on the Trail are required to display a sign.

Trail Promotion

The Food & Wine Trail maps will be distributed throughout Northland and to Rodney, North Shore and central Auckland Visitor Centres. We expect to revise and update the map annually.

Trail details will also be available on the northlandnz.com website for anyone to download.

For more information

If you are keen to be part of the Northland Food & Wine Trail, contact Enterprise Northland, Food & Wine Development, 09 438 5110 or register your interest by email to info@enterprisenorthland.co.nz with the following information:

I am interested in joining Northland’s Food & Wine Trail

Name:
Business name:
Postal Address:
Location of Food and Wine Experience on Trail:
Phone:
Fax:
Mobile :
Email:
Website:
Which category do you come under? and 20 words to describe your specia
 Farm Gate
 Artisan producer
 Winery
 Culinary Activities & Excursions – Guided Food Experiences
 Restaurants, Cafes/Bars & Winery Dining