Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Red: Pinot Noir, Syrahs, Cabernet and Merlot blends
White: Sav Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, Pinot Gris and Viognier
At the top of the South Island the town of Nelson sits on Golden Bay and near the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. This area is essentially a protected cove from prevailing winds off of Antarctica and different as other wine regions in New Zealand are situated on the east side of the country. Golden Bay is thus somewhat of a hidden gem in the New Zealand wine story.
The town of Nelson is known for its Saturday market and Arts & Crafts. Throughout the area one will find small artist workshops sprinkled amongst the wineries. Thanks to a series of glacier movements, this area is home to the oldest rocks found in New Zealand and is well suited for production of high end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Moutere Hills and Neudorf have enviable locations and are among the early families to settle. Recently Albariño wine has been highly favored in this area. It is a refreshing coastal white known for its stone fruit taste and hint of calcified salinity. This Spanish grape transplant pairs well with local seafood (crayfish, flounder, snapper, etc.)
Marlborough defines New Zealand wine as far as most the world knows. With vineyards as far as the eye can see, it’s completely understandable given almost 80% of the wine in the country comes from this area. This is really remarkable considering Sav Blanc has only been planted in the region since the early 1970s.
Bright sunshine combined with long days and cool nights allow grapes to ripen and develop the acidity that characterizes Sav Blanc from this area. Crisp, cutting acidity with a hint of saline are hallmarks of the uniqueness that is NZSB.
Blenheim is the largest town in this area, however accommodations in amongst the vines are a preferred way of experiencing Marlborough more in-depth. Day trips into the Queen Charlotte Sound to pair fresh green mussels with wine is a fun way to spend a day.
When in Marlborough most of the activities will likely be centered on wine tasting. Sir Peter Jackson’s aviation museum is excellent for families and aviation buffs. Biking between wineries on country roads is a nice way to spend a day and local guides offer guided tasting tours as well. A day trip into the Queen Charlotte Sound allows one to enjoy a calm boat ride to mussel farms, while those with more time will travel further and take a few nights to explore hiking and accommodations in more remote locations. Cuisine ranges from the high-end to delicious local pies- specifically the famous Burleigh pie shop just outside of town.
