Oak Estate Cellar Door & Kitchen

A Delightful Winery Lunch Destination in Bridge Pa Triangle

Oak Estate Cellar Door & Kitchen offers more than just excellent wines — it’s become a go-to destination for lunch. Whether you’re wine-tasting, cycling the winery trails, or simply seeking a peaceful weekend meal in the vines, its relaxed atmosphere, seasonal dishes and boutique wines make it a standout place to visit.

Oak Estate is a small, family-owned vineyard founded by Nadine and Stefan Loetscher in 2017. From its beginnings, the winery has embraced organic or sustainable practices, placing strong emphasis on working with the land and ensuring that its wines are expressive of the Bridge Pa terroir. The vineyard may be modest in size, but the passion behind it is anything but small. Their wines are handcrafted from the vines grown on-site or sourced within the Bridge Pa Triangle, to pair beautifully with the food at the kitchen. The careful attention to both viticulture and winemaking reflects Oak Estate’s broader philosophy: quality, locality, and a connection to the land.

The Kitchen at Oak Estate — Seasonal, Local, and Unpretentious

What really makes Oak Estate special for a lunch outing is The Kitchen. This winery restaurant (or bistro-style cellardoor kitchen) focuses on delivering seasonal, fresh, locally-sourced dishes that match the laid-back yet refined ambiance of the vineyard. The lunch menu changes every 6-8 weeks, ensuring that ingredients are fresh, in season, and often sourced from local Hawke’s Bay farmers and producers.

Expect modern New Zealand / European-style cuisine, with a seasonal menu: a mix of platters, mains, and share-style dishes. Large platters are popular especially with groups, while the à la carte options allow for a more intimate dining experience. Prices for lunch tend to fall in the NZD 35-40 range, making Oak Estate accessible and good value for wine lovers and foodies alike.

What to Expect Visiting for Lunch

Visitors coming for lunch can look forward to:

• A relaxed, charming setting amongst the vines. Oak Estate is family-friendly, dog-friendly (on leads), and ideal for enjoying a long lunch or catching up with friends. Indoor and outdoor seating, taking advantage of the vineyard views and peaceful rural environment.
• Excellent staff and hospitable service. Many reviews highlight the warmth of the hosts, attention to detail, and ability to accommodate dietary needs.
• Food that pairs well with the estate wines — think well-matched wines with mains, or wine-friendly sharing/platters. It’s not just a wine tasting stop; the kitchen adds a dimension that keeps people lingering.
• Practical Info & Tips for Lunch Guests

Hours: Lunch is served Wednesday through Sunday from about 11:30am to 4:30pm. Note that the kitchen may close earlier on some days, so timing matters.

Reservations: Not always essential for small parties (2-4), but advisable especially weekends or for groups (5+). Oak Estate also caters for private functions or bookings for larger groups.

Accessibility: Located along the Wineries Ride and cycleway, making it a favoured stop for cyclists. Parking is available; the setting is welcoming for families.

This is a highly recommended stop when you are on the Bridge Pa Triangle Route or the Gimblett Gravels Trail.