About The Bone Line
The Bone Line is a family-owned winery and cellar-door venue in North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley, roughly an hour’s drive north of Christchurch . It sits on a historic river terrace (planted from 1989 onward) and is run by winemakers Vic and Lindsay Vince. Unlike a typical tasting room, The Bone Line embraces geology and deep time: the name refers to the local Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary (the dinosaur-killing asteroid layer), and each wine label features fossils found on the property . With around 18 hectares of mature vineyards, The Bone Line has produced award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Syrah that have gained national and international acclaim . Visitors note the “friendly staff” and panoramic vineyard views – TripAdvisor reviewers called it a “gorgeous spot” and highlighted the excellent Chardonnay and Riesling . The atmosphere is rustic-yet-refined, blending vineyard views, limestone-clad surroundings and a passion for terroir. Because it’s family-run and boutique, it feels welcoming and unpretentious – one visitor even said the team made them “feel right at home” .
Events and Programming
The Bone Line operates primarily as a winery and cellar door, but it also hosts themed events, tastings and private functions. Regular programming centers on wine experiences rather than concerts. For example, the winery introduced an annual “Experience Vintage” harvest day (grape picking, vineyard tour and lunch with the winemaker) to give guests a behind-the-scenes tour of harvest . They also hold occasional winemaker dinners and release parties when new vintages are bottled, sometimes branded as a “Reds Dinner” or similar. The owners actively participate in regional wine events – for instance, they run seminar tastings during Waipara’s “Discover Southbank” wine region open day . Private events are welcome: the property is available for weddings, corporate retreats and off-site gatherings (the owners note “Please contact us to enquire about weddings or event ideas – we love hosting events!” ). In general, programming is seasonal and infrequent – most days the site runs as a tasting room and garden with food pairing, and visitors can check the website or mailing list for any special event or sold-out dinner in advance.
Tickets and Booking
The Bone Line books most activities in advance rather than selling tickets per se. There is no traditional box office; instead you reserve a wine tasting or event online or by phone. Casual walk-ins for a tasting are sometimes possible if space allows, but groups and dinners should always be booked. A deposit is required for all tastings: currently $30 per person, which is redeemed against your purchase (non-refundable if cancelled less than 48 hours in advance) . Standard tastings typically include 4–6 wine samples and cost around NZ$20–$30 per person (often included in the deposit) . Special events – like the harvest “Experience Vintage” day – have separate ticket prices (e.g. about $120 per person in 2023 ). These events are announced on The Bone Line’s website and social media well before they occur. Fans of the winery often join the wine club; members get perks like a free ticket to the vintage day and first access to limited bottlings . For everyday tastings, the cellar-door is open 11am–4pm (closed Tue–Wed) . It’s wise to reserve a time slot, especially on weekends or holidays, by calling +64 3-314 8699 or booking online. When you arrive, staff will check you in at the cellar door, collect the deposit (or confirm payment) and guide your party through the tasting.
Seating and Layout
The Bone Line’s tasting venue combines indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside you’ll find a small, puck bar area and a few dozen seats at communal or window tables. The interior is rustic-modern: exposed wood and stone, with high ceilings and narrow views out to the vines. The highlight is the outdoor patio and lawn area. From here you get wide views over the rolling vineyards to the Teviotdale foothills. On a sunny day you can sip wine on wooden benches or garden chairs under umbrellas . The property orientation means late-afternoon sunlight illuminates the vines, so seats up on the terrace or under the pergola are popular for sunset views. Because this is a casual winery setting, there are no assigned seats or VIP boxes – it’s general admission within the courtyard. (Groups of 8+ usually get one long table.) The open-air setting is well-suited for mingling. Sound levels are very relaxed – you can hear birds and a breeze, not loud PA or music. If you attend a catered dinner or festival event here, note that space is largely flat; bring a low chair or cushion if you prefer comfort, and wear shoes suitable for gravel or lawn. As a rule, any spot offers a good view of the vineyards; the only blind spots are directly behind the main building. Overall the best vantage is from the terrace or by the vine rows, where you can take in the full panorama of vines and nearby limestone outcrops.
Getting There and Parking
The Bone Line’s cellar door is at 376 Ram Paddock Road, Broomfield (R.D. 2, Waipara), in the Waipara Valley . This is rural North Canterbury, about a 60–75 minute drive from central Christchurch via State Highway 1 and Waipara Gorge Road . Turn east off the main highway near Waipara township or Amberley and follow local roads (signs for Broomfield or Ram Paddock Road) for a few minutes. Because the winery is secluded, plan to arrive by car. There is ample free parking on-site (a gravel lot and lawn area) so you can drive right up to the cellar door . Parking is flat and mostly open-air, so it suits cars and tour buses. (Large buses should coordinate ahead of time for space.) Street parking along Ram Paddock Road is not provided, since the site handle parking internally. Public transit options are very limited; there is no direct bus or train service to the winery. Some visitors ride-share or taxi from Amberley (the nearest town, ~15 km away), but coverage is spotty – it’s safest to drive or arrange a private tour. If you do use a rideshare, there is clear space to be dropped off at the entrance. As always in rural NZ, check the weather before you go: roads are usually sealed, but heavy rain can make country lanes muddy, so a higher-clearance car is sometimes helpful.
Inside the Venue
On entering The Bone Line, you’ll check in at the indoor cellar door counter. Staff here are known for being friendly and knowledgeable . No special ID or dress code is required – smart-casual attire is fine. The ambience is laid-back yet refined. You’ll immediately notice decor elements that echo the ancient themes: fossil art on the walls and cellar windows looking into barrel rooms. Table service is available for food and wine. Today The Bone Line offers a new locally-sourced sharing menu (cheese boards, antipasti, seasonal salads and snacks) designed to complement their wines . You can order glasses or bottles to sip with these plates. The winery’s wine list includes all their current releases by the glass or flight. Payment is by eftpos or cash at the end. The venue has clean, modern restrooms near the entrance (unscented and well-maintained). Coat racks or hooks are available if needed. Cellar-door Wi-Fi may be limited since it’s rural (ask staff); expect spotty mobile data. Merchandise is modest – mainly wine and branded glassware – and displayed near the registers. If you plan to walk the vineyard (highly recommended!), leave bags in the car or inside; you won’t need to carry belongings outdoors. Entry is contact-free beyond the normal check-in: there is no bag search or security line, though of course staff will ensure responsible service of alcohol. Overall the space feels open and welcoming – perfect for lingering with a tasting flight or chatting beneath the vines. In short: little friction, lots of enthusiasm, and an environment designed to showcase wine and geology rather than flashy production trimmings.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: The Boneline cellar door has its own café menu, but for full meals nearby try Pegasus Bay (an award-winning winery restaurant known for its hearty country dining, about 5 km west) or the café at Waipara Springs Winery (casual fare and coffee, about 7 km north). Other local spots include Greystone and Domain Road wineries, each with their own chef-driven eateries (reservations recommended on weekends). Amberley township (15 km south) has a pub and a small bakery/café for basics.Hotels & Lodging: There’s no lodging on site. In Waipara valley itself you’ll find boutique B&Bs and rural chalets – for example, Waipara Springs Lodge or Waipara Sleepers (cabins). Amberley has motels and holiday parks if you prefer more amenities. Christchurch offers major hotels if you’re just passing through. For evening events, plan to stay locally (Waipara) or sleep in Amberley or Kaikōura as driving back to Christchurch after dark takes time.Other Wine Tasting: The Bone Line is in a wine region packed with cellar doors. A classic tasting loop (the Waipara Wine Trail) includes nearby Bell Hill, R. Wakatipu and North Canterbury’s first wine museum. Plan extra time if you want to visit multiple wineries in one outing.Shopping & Services: If you need groceries or supplies, Amberley has supermarkets and gas stations. Waipara village has a corner store/deli for snacks and basic supplies. There are several other boutique wineries and a sculpture park within 10 km, making the valley itself a scenic day trip.Transportation: Rideshare services (like Uber) are rare here, especially after dark. If you’re on an organised tour, check if they offer transfers home. Otherwise, arrange a taxi from Amberley (some operators work the wine trail, but definitely book ahead).
What Makes This Venue Special
The Bone Line’s uniqueness comes from its blend of terroir storytelling, relaxed hospitality and standout wines. Architecturally it’s simple (barn-like cellar and outdoor deck), but thematically it’s rich: the K–T boundary narrative and fossil labels give every visit a “crater on wine” novelty. Culturally, it’s a Kiwi family success story that helped establish Waipara’s reputation. The owners invest in sustainable farming and community (for example, they hosted free educational seminars during regional wine open days ). Legendary tastings include the SharkStone Chardonnay and Rieslings praised as some of New Zealand’s finest , and even the winery’s Cabernet Franc and Riesling have been called “true passions” . Locals and visitors alike love it for its unpolished charm – it’s not a slick tourist factory, but a place where you can meet the vintners over a butcher-board platter and learn about 65-million-year-old history under the shadow of Mount Hutt. In the context of Canterbury culture, The Bone Line adds a scientific twist to the valley’s wine lore. Economically, it draws wine tourism dollars to the region (tens of thousands visit Waipara wineries every year). Ecologically, the estate’s cover crops and organic practices are valued by community environmental efforts. The Bone Line has also hosted notable gatherings, like wine-club release dinners and even supported the new local Rolling Meadows music festival, which celebrated North Canterbury’s creative scene . In sum, it’s special because of the stories you’ll hear (from asteroid strikes to soil chemistry) and the genuine, home-grown character of the place – all while tasting award-winning wine on a pastoral Kiwi foothillside.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility is built in: the main tasting room is wheelchair-friendly (no steps at the entrance) and has an accessible restroom . Well-behaved children are welcome when supervised (though remember this is an alcohol venue – children must be accompanied by a parent). Dogs on leash are allowed outdoors for casual visits . Tipping isn’t expected in New Zealand, but if service is exceptional a small tip is appreciated. Come prepared for the weather – it can be windy or sunny, so sunhats or jackets are advised. Shoes: Definitively wear closed-toe/nonslip footwear if you plan to walk the vines or cellar (no high heels on gravel). It’s also wise to bring a water bottle or refill with free chilled water at the bar. Cell phone reception is patchy here, so it’s a chance to unplug. Wi-Fi may or may not be offered; don’t count on strong internet in the cellar. If you book an event, confirm the dress code (e.g. winery dinners are smart-casual). The tasting-fitting pairing menu uses many local ingredients, so alert staff to any dietary restrictions (they can usually offer vegetarian or gluten-free options). There’s no strict bag or photography policy – feel free to snap photos of the vineyard and fossils for Instagram. One common mistake is underestimating travel time; leave early from Christchurch to arrive by 11 am. On busy weekends please park only in the designated lot (don’t block driveways). Check the website for any live or special events on your visit day; sometimes the venue can be closed or private for weddings. Lastly, have cash or a credit card handy (EFTPOS is accepted, but rural connectivity can affect chip readers). By observing these tips – booking ahead, dressing comfortably, and arriving with an appetite – you’ll get the most out of a day at The Bone Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bone Line and where is it located?
The Bone Line is a small family-owned winery with a cellar-door tasting venue. It’s in the Waipara wine region of North Canterbury, roughly 1 hour north of Christchurch. The physical address is 376 Ram Paddock Road, in the rural hamlet of Broomfield (Waipara), opposite vineyards . This is a tranquil rural setting, so plan to drive there by car or tour bus; public transit options are basically none.
How do I book a wine tasting or event at The Bone Line?
You usually need a reservation. To taste wines at The Bone Line, you can book online through their website or call the cellar door. For groups (especially 8+ people) a $30 per person deposit is taken at booking . This deposit is applied to the tasting or food bill. If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice the deposit is forfeited. For special events (like harvest tours or dinners), tickets are also sold online ahead of time. Walk-in tastings might be available on slower days, but it’s safest to pre-book.
What are the opening hours and days for The Bone Line’s cellar door?
The cellar door is generally open from 11:00am to 4:00pm on (at least) Friday through Monday . It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (Check the website if in doubt, as hours can vary seasonally or for private events.) If you arrive outside these hours, the venue will be locked, so plan accordingly.
Do I have to pay a fee to taste wines, and is my tasting fee refundable?
Yes, there is a small tasting fee per adult (roughly NZ$20–30), but this is redeemable against any wine purchase . In practice the $30 booking deposit is used to hold your spot and then goes toward your final bill. If you make a reservation and cancel early enough (more than 48 hours ahead), you can get a refund of that deposit. Otherwise the fee is essentially rolled into your wine order.
Do The Bone Line allow children or pets on the premises?
Well-mannered children are welcome to accompany adults, but they must be supervised at all times . (Remember this is a wine tasting, so minors cannot taste alcohol.) Dogs on leash are allowed in the outdoor areas . Please keep pets under control – for example, they should not disturb other guests or roam around the indoor cellar area.
Is there parking at The Bone Line, and is it free?
Yes, The Bone Line has its own free parking lot. You can pull your vehicle into the gravel car park or onto the grass next to the cellar door . There is ample space for cars and even some small tour buses. No parking fee is charged. Please park only in the designated area and not on the lawn divider between driving lanes.
Is The Bone Line wheelchair accessible?
Yes – the main cellar door and tasting area have level entrances and tables that can fit a wheelchair. The Bone Line is noted as having a wheelchair-friendly cellar door area . Restrooms on site are also accessible. If you need assistance, the staff are happy to help. Some outdoor surfaces (like gravel or grass) can be uneven, so a set of wheels or assistance may be needed for exploring outside, but the indoor tasting bar and patio are flat.
What types of events or performances does The Bone Line host?
The Bone Line isn’t a regular concert venue, so it doesn’t have a weekly live-music schedule. Instead, it focuses on wine-related events. Notable happenings include harvest celebration days (“Experience Vintage” tours) and special winemaker dinners or release parties. Occasionally they partner with local festivals (for example, hosting tastings during the Waipara wine trail festival). If you’re looking for live music, keep an eye on their announcements – they sometimes host acoustic nights or local band gigs in summer, but this is optional. In general, check the winery’s website or mailing list for any upcoming event listing.
Can I bring my own food or drinks to The Bone Line?
Outside food or alcoholic beverages are not allowed during a tasting. The Bone Line now offers a simple food menu (cheese plates, tapas, local salads) made by a local caterer specifically to pair with the wines . You’re encouraged to sample this menu, which is reasonably priced and designed for sharing. If you want to picnic on the lawn instead of ordering, you can bring a non-alcoholic snack or drink, but alcohol must be purchased from the cellar door.
What should I wear or bring when visiting The Bone Line?
Dress code is very casual. Wear what you’re comfortable in – many visitors come in jeans and a shirt. If you plan to walk the vineyard, wear flat shoes or trainers (no stilettos in gravel). Sunscreen, hats and a light jacket are wise year-round (it can be windy or cool, even in summer). Sunglasses are useful given the reflecting limestone landscape. As for what to bring: a water bottle (tap water is provided), and some cash/cards for wine purchases. Don’t forget your camera – the vineyard views and fossils make great photo ops. In cooler months, a jumper is handy for the outdoor deck. There’s no cloakroom, so carry only what you need. Finally, bring a sense of curiosity – chat with the winemaker about the geology of the place!
How far is The Bone Line from Christchurch, and is there public transport?
The Bone Line is about 60–75 km from Christchurch city center via SH1 northbound (just past Amberley) . Driving is by far the easiest way to get there. There is almost no public transport directly to the winery. Some coaches and buses pass through Waipara township, but they do not stop at cellars. There is also no train service. If you can’t drive, look for a local wine tour operator or taxi that serves the Waipara area. Otherwise, plan to rent a car or hitch a ride with a driver.
What is the origin of the name “The Bone Line”?
The name comes from geology. The vineyard lies near the K–T (Cretaceous–Tertiary) boundary – the world-famous layer laid down by an asteroid 65 million years ago that caused the dinosaurs’ extinction. Over time, fossilized bones and shells of long-extinct creatures have been found along the Waipara River terraces. “The Bone Line” refers to this fossil layer (the “bone line”) in the ground beneath the vines . The winery embraces this history: each bottle label depicts a fossil found on-site, connecting the wine to the ancient earth.
Are there age restrictions or ID requirements at The Bone Line?
Legally, people must be 18 or over to taste alcohol in New Zealand. The Bone Line will ask for proof of age (driver’s licence, passport, or Kiwi ID) if you are under 30. Of course, children under 18 can accompany adults but cannot taste or handle alcohol. The venue checks IDs at the bar when necessary. (No special membership or ticket is needed if you’re buying your own wine.)
What payment methods are accepted at The Bone Line?
The Bone Line accepts all major credit and debit cards (EFTPOS) as well as cash (NZD). The cellar door uses standard card readers. If visiting alone, make sure you have one method of card payment for the tasting fee or purchase. There is no external ATM on site, so plan ahead if you want to pay cash. Receipt printing is provided.
Can we do a guided tour of the vineyard or winery?
The Bone Line generally offers self-guided tasting experiences. However, during special events like the harvest “Experience Vintage” day, the owners provide behind-the-scenes tours of the vineyard and winery facilities . Private tours can sometimes be arranged for large groups by appointment. If you would like a tour, mention it when you book – they may be able to schedule vineyard-walk education sessions by staff. Otherwise, feel free to walk their open “vineyard walkway” on your own (it’s signposted and open during tasting hours ).
What is a good time of year to visit The Bone Line?
Waipara has a classic Mediterranean climate. Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and dry, ideal for sunny outdoor tastings and views of green vines. Autumn (Mar–Apr) is grape harvest season – a charming time for vine colors and events (the winery’s harvest festival was in late March). Winter (Jun–Aug) is cool with dormant vines; the cellar-door is still open but fewer vineyards features to see. Spring (Oct–Nov) has flowering vines and mild temperatures. Many visitors love spring or autumn for mild weather. Note that weekends will be busier in peak summer, so midweek visits can be more relaxed.
