We left raetihi on the water taxi and then re took the awful road towards Blenheim and Marlborough,a loo stop was absolutely essential - they were interesting!
At least we knew there would be copious amounts of Sauvignon Blanc on arrival!
Our Hotel in the Marlborough region was the Hotel d'Urville, formally the Public trust office. It retains the original vaults and steel doors and also includes an award winning restaurant which of course we had to dine at!Each room is individually styled and there is a communal meeting area with free port (beats wifi) where you meet and chat with fellow guests - I like this place!
Before embarking on our pre arranged wine tour there was some stomach settling to do!that drive really had upset us! so when in New Zealand you have to eat a Pie - Yes Pies are big and in here.
Now down to the serious business of wine tasting! the Marlborough region is the biggest producer of New Zealand wines. It lays in a vast flat valley, planted just 30 years ago surrounded by mountains. Normally sunny, but not for us! the most common wine is the sauvignon blanc, Pinot gris & noir and Reisling. There is something almost clinical in the production.All picking is done by machine as is most of the pruning hence the wide gaps between the rows. Add the screw tops and you cannot help but agree the French really do make the best wine with the greatest of passion and I have to say have the most beautiul or vineyards.
We visted 6 different vineyards through the afternoon tasting about 5 or 6 wines in each. A pretty pleasant way to pass an afternoon.
1 comment:
you look as if you really enjoyed the red wine!
Post a Comment