You can either taste a variety of wines, including two pinots noirs, or book a wine tour with tasting starting at NZ$15 . Book a table for a tour or lunch at the restaurant online in advance. I enjoyed learning all about the Marlborough region, its wine history, and the wines offered at each cellar door. Would definitely do again and recommend to anyone who is travelling to the region, and looking for an experience that is very much tailored to the area. Phil, for making the tour so enjoyable, would also be a big thank you. These Queenstown wine tours are available.
Hawke’s Bay is a producer of both red and white wine and is known for its chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons as well as syrahs, merlots, and syrahs. On the north tip of the south island, you’ll find Highfield Estate, where you’ll find a refreshing sauvignon blanc that pairs well with hike up the Tuscan-inspired tower at the estate. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy the views as the estate sits atop the Brookby Ridge; come and stay awhile and enjoy a lovely lunch or afternoon snack at the on-site restaurant . The fourth-largest wine region in New Zealand is Gisborne, located on the east coast of the North Island and actually the very first wine area in the world to see each new day’s sun. Gisborne vineyards specialise in buttery chardonnays but the area also produces some fine chenin blanc, gewurztraminer and riesling offerings. With so many different varieties of wine to choose from, the ultimate wine connoisseur should devote quite a bit of time to sample them all.
- Today’s drive is particularly pretty as you head along the coast passing Nelson again, and then heading through wooded hills skirting the edge of the Marlborough Sounds near Havelock.
- Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous wine-making region, where most wine tours and travellers descend to for succulent pinot noirs, Rieslings, and the acclaimed sauvignon blancs.
- And to complete each tour, our final visit was another contrast – the lovely organic Arum winery which focuses on Pinot Gris and produces an incredible line up of Methode Traditionelle, off dry, rose and a port style.
- Enjoy a relaxing day exploring this island of olive groves and farmland, as well as breathtaking views of the ocean, neighbouring islands and coastline.
- Gisborne is the fourth largest wine region in New Zealand. It is located on the east coast, North Island. This wine area is actually the first to see the sun rise each day.
This region is a foodie/wino paradise. There are many excellent food and wine trails to be followed, including the Selwyn Food and Wine Trail and the North Canterbury Trail. Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine producer and is well-known for its Sauvignon Blanc. There are many vineyards in the region, and about 30 of them are open for travel to Queenstown visitors. They offer tours and tastings, with the largest being Montana. Next, make your way to Nelson, a vibrant city famous for its alternative-lifestyle. After nearly two weeks tasting wine and eating New Zealand’s finest food, take it easy on your last day on a cruise of the picturesque Abel Tasman National Park. The park is truly breathtaking, with its azure waters, white powdery beach and abundance of a glass wine.
And to complete each tour, our final visit was another contrast – the lovely organic Arum winery which focuses on Pinot Gris and produces an incredible line up of Methode Traditionelle, off dry, rose and a port style. Clos Henri was a contrast. It was owned by the Henri Bourgeois Family from Sancerre. This wine had a distinct European feel and we learned about the organic principles that underpin their wine from Fabio the vineyard manager. On the three tours I ran to New Zealand in 2014 we discovered, of course, a fabulously beautiful country with lovely wine. Our most lasting memories are of the people we met. They were generous with their time and gave us wonderful insights into winemaking. We also learned a lot about their wines and enjoyed them immensely.
Raising grapes this far south is hard work, but one sip of the local Gibbston pinot noir tells you the effort is absolutely worthwhile. Find out more about wine tours in Queenstown and the best wineries to visit. You can taste your way through this beautiful country, with its vineyards stretching out in front green mountains and sun-bleached sandy beaches in endless bays. New Zealand is a top destination for wine holidays, even though it has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Well, its all down to its unique island micro-climate, its cool breezes and hours of sunshine produce vines full of vivid flavours, and it’s one of the few countries which can produce a variety of top tasting wines.
Mudbrick is the perfect place to have lunch, where you can taste its wines and enjoy delicious food under a pergola with a view of the vineyards. New Zealand is a gourmet’s paradise, a land of delicious regional cuisines, modern cuisines and outstanding wine producers. Marlborough is the most well-known of the wine regions. But there are many other areas in this country that will appeal food lovers, such as Hawke’s Bay on the North Island. New Zealand is a top gastronomic destination. There are many wine and food regions that will delight your taste buds.
Road Trip New Zealand: Go Auckland & Northland – KarryOn
Road Trip New Zealand: Go Auckland & Northland.
Posted: Sun, 03 Jul 2022 23:03:19 GMT [source]
