New Zealand Wine and Dine Escapes
The famous outdoor playground of New Zealand boasts an enticing blend of glacial topped mountains, salt sea breezes, tumbling meadows, farmyard pastures and pristine vineyards. It is as though the great makers of this earth handpicked New Zealand to be the pantry of the world with its elegant wineries, its bold and blazing market fresh produce and its collection of indigenous cultures that bring a twist of flavor to the plate.
Those who love to sip and swirl will adore the New Zealand wine and dine escapes, from Pacific Rim flavors to the Craggy Range oak barrels, you can be sure that at every moment your senses will thank you when discovering the tastes of New Zealand.
The Vineyards of Marlborough
Majestic Marlborough is a wine lover’s kingdom with its South Island style, its salt whipped sea air and its rolling plains of tangled vineyard stretching into the golden horizon. With over forty open cellar doors to explore, this is the place to taste the best Sauvignon blancs the new world has to offer.
Sun dappled afternoons spent sipping floral whites and gazing at the mountains from the terraces is best done in the inspiring surroundings of Herzog. One of the most famous wineries in the region you can sample a perfumed Pinot Gris and old world elderberry in the Merlot Cabernet. The critically acclaimed degustation menu is also worth discovering for Aoraki Cured Salmon, Wakanui Beef and artisan cheese on wheels.
Boutique Dining in Blenheim
Still in the throes of the Marlborough Region be sure to swing by Blenheim for a spot of bespoke dining built on fresh honest flavors. After spending sun-drenched day’s whale watching in Kaikoura, cycling along the glittering green and gold vineyard tour and kayaking across the pristine waters, your appetite is sure to be satiated.
The tiny town boasts endless boutique options for culinary degustation; the Hotel d’Urville Restaurant offers cloudy bay clams with karengo butter and slow-roasted alpine lamb that will fall apart on the tongue.
The Raupo River Café offers an ambient setting beside the gushing waters where you can nibble slow braised pork belly, summer asparagus risotto and pair delicatessen cheeses with homemade chutneys and gingerbread.
Explore the Craggy Ranges
The Craggy Range winery is another firm favorite on the shores of New Zealand, under the breath of rising mountains carving the sky, misty lakes and legacies you can find a stunning oasis inviting you to stay a while. The rich diversity of the soil, the cool mountain breezes, and the expertly pioneered vineyards come together they create the Craggy Range.
Citrus blossom and passion fruit can be found in the complex layers of the Sauvignon Blanc whereas the Syrah is serendipitous in its approach with its full body and easy rolling fruits. You can dine at the French inspired Terroir restaurant where frost and foam take a backseat to fresh local produce such as glistening oysters; line caught fish and buffalo blue cheese. The surroundings of Hawkes Bay are ideal for golfing and visiting the gannet sanctuary.
Farmers Markets in Waipara Valley
Filled to the brim with vineyard restaurants, bubbling hot springs and world-class hikes into the rich tapestry of mountain and forests you are sure to fall in love with the Waipara Valley. There are over twenty open cellar doors to explore in the region ensuring that you get your fill of award-winning Pinot Noirs and sweet honeyed Rieslings.
Yet it’s the farmers markets that can be the biggest draw. The Hurunui is an open air treasure trove for foodies keen on sampling hand baked soft breads, godly olive oils, plump olives, jeweled fruits, fragrant lavender and drizzled honey from the depths of the golden hives. You can explore the stalls buying up a storm and tasting morsels of pure magic with every step you take.
