We stopped at Rangihoua Estates on a wine tour of Waiheke Island, but the main focus here was the olive oil. Our group saw a video explaining how the olives are removed from the trees and pressed for their oil. Back in the tasting room, we were able to try four varieties, a couple of which had won medals at the L.A.County Fair (a kick for us since we are from the L.A. area!). Around the tasting bar there were many types of products available made from olive oil. Some were edible and some were beauty products. I really loved the lip balm a purchased. To the side there was a wine tasting bar and my husband tried a couple, but was not crazy about them. Outside there was a patio and a large garden where various kinds of plants were for sale, including lots of succulents. It was a pretty, relaxing setting.

We had an informative and educational tours about the process of growing and producing premium oils, using the traditional cold pressed technique, followed by tasting of the estates award winning oils. Their oils are ranked amongst the world top 50. Buying tip: check your purchases thoroughly, as we realized to our great dismay that the sales staff had packed the wrong oil only upon reaching home, several thousand miles away.....