Cookbooks: A Life at Mudbrick

Many people dream of escaping the city, growing grapes, making wine, and perhaps running a cafe, but few actually follow that dream.

Robyn Jones' A Life at Mudbrick: Stories and recipes from Waiheke's famous Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant (Random House) tells the story of following that dream with her husband Nick. More than 20 years ago they bought a property on Waiheke Island, planted a vineyard, made wine and opened a fine-dining restaurant with panoramic views over Rangitoto and Auckland. It's set among gardens, which include vegetables and an orchard which now supply the kitchen. This is a handsome coffee-table book, attractively illustrated, and includes notes about the wines and recipes by chef Mattias Schmitt and his team.