BYO wine: the perfect match for your meal

Whitecliff wines.

We're changing the way we eat out. Across our cities and suburbs, we have the choice of more and more casual restaurants, bars and cafes that offer small shared plates of gourmet food instead of larger-sized meals.

That means New Zealanders are opting to dine out more often. And it allows us to indulge another benefit of our Kiwi lifestyle - bringing your own wine to a restaurant.

A bottle of wine is usually less expensive from a liquor store or supermarket than on a restaurant's wine list, so eateries that allow BYO will be more attractive to many diners.

We looked across Auckland and its many cuisines, and sought opinions from professional critics and every-night diners to find a list of 10 great dine-out experiences that offer BYO - Italian, Japanese, Indian, Thai and more.

Then we asked Kara Biggs, marketing manager at Whitecliff Wines, to suggest a wine to match each of their menus.

Now all you need to do is choose a night, choose a flavour - and buy that bottle.

• Canton Cafe
Chinese
477 New North Rd, Kingsland
menus.co.nz/listing/2xvv/canton-cafe

Whitecliff Shiraz, RRP$13.99: With fabulous aromas of cassis and spice, Whitecliff Shiraz is a gorgeous match with the rich flavours of Canton Cafe. Particularly good with the BBQ and beef dishes.

• Faro
Korean
5 Lorne St, Auckland CBD
faro.co.nz

Whitecliff Pinot Gris, RRP$13.99: Whitecliff Pinot Gris has delicate spicy pear and ginger flavours which is simply delicious. It's a great choice to take with you on a night out with friends at Faro.

• Jaan
Turkish
505 New North Rd, Kingsland
zomato.com/auckland/jaan-turkish-restaurant-kingsland

Whitecliff Merlot, RRP$13.99: An evening of casual dining at Jaan will always be perfect with a bottle of Whitecliff Merlot - try it with the kofta kebab. Sensational!

• Mamma Rosa
Italian
31 Melanesia Rd, Kohimaramara
mammarosanz.com

Whitecliff Rose, RRP$13.99: A meal at Mamma Rosa is not complete without a bottle of Whitecliff Rose. New in store this season, it's vibrant and fruity and will hit the spot on a warm summer evening.

• Nishiki
Japanese
100 Wellington St, Freemans Bay
3/298 Torrens Rd, Botany Downs
nishiki.co.nz

Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc, RRP$13.99: For an evening of fun, good food and great conversation - match the clean flavours of Nishiki with the fresh and delicate style of Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc.

• Ramen Takara
Japanese
4 Anzac Rd, Browns Bay
ramentakara.co.nz

Whitecliff Pinot Noir, RRP$13.99: Whitecliff Pinot Noir and Koterri Shio Ramen from Ramen Takara is a combination to be savoured. The rich flavours of the pork belly and garlic chips blend beautifully with the plum and spice notes of the pinot noir.

• Satya
Indian
271 K Rd
515 Sandringham Rd
57 Mt Eden Rd
17 Great North Rd
satya.co.nz

Whitecliff low alcohol Pinot Gris, RRP$13.99: With a golden colour, a spicy pear tang, and less alcohol in the glass - this is a match made in heaven with an Indian dish that packs a bit of punch.

• Sopheara
Cambodian
136 Chapel Rd, Clover Park
zomato.com/auckland/sopheara-cambodian-flat-bush

Whitecliff low alcohol Sauvignon Blanc, RRP$13.99: Crisp and light, this savvy will balance the aromatic spices which abound at Sopheara.

• Sri Pinang
Malaysian
356 K Rd
zomato.com/auckland/sri-pinang-karangahape-road

Whitecliff Chardonnay, RRP$13.99: Easy drinking and fruity, it always delivers with a good Malaysian dish. Try it with the Sri Pinang oyster omelette. Wow!

• Thanya Thai
Thai
2 Dunbar Rd, Balmoral
thanyathai.co.nz

Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Gris, RRP$13.99: The duet of the grassy sauvignon blanc with the spicy pinot gris brings out the complexity of flavour in the delicious Thanya Thai menu.