About Plume
Situated just an hour’s drive from Auckland or Whangarei, Plume, the vineyard restaurant, Matakana is a must visit destination on any Matakana wine or food journey – we are all about fabulous local New Zealand wine and produce which together can celebrate “culinary diversity.” Plume is a small town, rural, rustic restaurant with friendly service from locally employed staff. It is a great change from the starchy fine dining service of a big city like Auckland yet is in a class of its own.
Purpose
At Plume we believe a great meal is not just about the food and wine, we believe it is a complete sensory experience.
People
Farida Cooper
Farida, as Owner/Director, has an overview of the Plume Collection companies; namely Plume Restaurant, Villas and the Cellar Door of Runner Duck Wines – and has a fine team under her comprised of the managers at each of these units.
Farida’s focus is on maintaining an extremely high level of service and meeting overall budgets. Farida’s personal commitment to the group’s experience along with her love for food and wine and hospitality ensures guests who choose Plume Collection products leave happy.
Sebastian Milles
Sebastian came to New Zealand nearly two decades ago from a background of managing bars and restaurants both in his homeland Germany and Ireland. Sebastian works closely with the Executive Chef ensuring our customers of the Restaurant are well looked after.
Sebastian supports the groups IT needs hands on besides also being a great “jack of all!” When not at Plume, Sebastian is likely to be pursuing his love for deep sea diving and fresh seafood as well as gardening and living on his own garden produce.
Anil Kumar
Anil Kumar is our Head Chef from March 2025. Anil has over 35 years experience in Cheffing mostly in regional kitchens and in stadiums and arenas catering for dinner for the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Beyonce .
Anil loves to cook lamb shanks, steaks more specifically Scotch Steaks and Cheesecakes of all types!
You will often find Anil coming out of the kitchen and visiting tables and meeting our guests – but watch out – he loves to talk!
Plume Villas
Nick and Denise manage the day to day functions of Plume Villas and report to the Owner Directors. They have multi-faceted experience in the Hospitality business managing one of New Zealand’s first bakeries, then moving onto their own cafes and then into accommodation management.
Nick keeps the property neat and clean and manages the facilities, while Denise handles the office work and ensures customers are well looked after!
