A beautiful metal grapevine sculpture has just been unveiled in the Waipara valley. Situated on the junction of SH1 and SH 7, the sculpture celebrates the region's wine heritage. A community project, six years in the making, the sculpture is 8.5m tall and demonstrates the importance of the wine industry to the region. 

Waipara Valley in North Canterbury is especially known for Pinot Noir and Riesling, and also has a great reputation for aromatics  and rose.

Some fabulous vineyards include Muddy Water, established in 1993. It was the first certified organic vineyard in the area and specialises in hand-crafted vintages. The ever popular Waipara Hills offers up a wonderful cafe, wine tastings and a full programme of summer events, as well as some beautifully balanced wines; their Sauvignon Blanc is a Toast-team favourite. Terrace Edge, a boutique family estate, produces extra virgin olive oil as well as some outstanding wines. Over looking the Waipara river, on a bed of gravel left behind by the ice-age glacier, the wine matches the outstanding beauty and complexity of the environment perfectly. 

See our pick of Waipara wines to try below.