Come to Marlborough Country ....
And we don't mean "Marlboro", but "Marlborough" in Picton, on the north side of the South Island of New Zealand. It is very quaint, charming, and picturesque, and here are those words again ... green and lush!
Once we arrived in port (just a hop, skip and jump OR ferry from Wellington), we boarded a bus here that took us to Whitehaven winery. Once here, we were outfitted with bicycles, helmets and bright yellow vests. Yes, LeRoy and I cycled through this picturesque area, dotted with wineries. We could see mountains around us (and snow on one of them). Just a beautiful bright blue sky, and lush, green vineyards, sticking full of green grapes. There were very few red grapes to be seen. This is called the Marlborough Wine Trail, and we got to visit three wineries.
LeRoy and I were at the front of the pack near our guide who told us about a wonderful growing season. Harvest is about to begin as it has just turned fall here. The guide said we were some of the last groups that would be allowed into the processing area at our first stop, Nautilus Winery. They are about to get very busy here. It's a good thing that most of the ride was at the front of our trip before the tasting began!
Marlborough is great for growing the grapes that make Sauvignon Blanc. In fact they are best known for these wine as well as some very good Chardonnay. LeRoy loves his red wines, but was easily coaxed into trying the whites. The only red that does any good here is the Pinot Noir. At Nautilus, we were shown how they ferment the wines in stainless steel vats. All I could think of was Jack Daniels back home! Then they put the wine into the barrels which are made from local wood. Our co-travelers cannot believe that Jack Daniels is made in a "dry county" (meaning no taste tests!)
Our next winery was just around the bend. It is called Giesen Brothers. While here we were served the most incredible board of delicious and beautiful foods (while taste testing their wines!) The foods included meats, cheeses, pates, olives, warm bread AND the famous green-lipped mussels. This was food to die for! The first thing we noticed other than the food was that our guide at Giesen was very American. In fact, he was from Indiana, and .... wait for it ... he is the nephew of one of LeRoy's high school classmates! It is a small world indeed. Incidentally, the Giesen wines are available at Costco. Their Organic Sauvignon is the one they called "world famous". We also got to test one of their Pinot Noirs, and obviously LeRoy had to buy one of those to take back to the ship. We are only allowed to bring one bottle per person back to the boat.
After Giesen, we donned our helmets and vests once more, and we headed back to Whitehaven where a convoy of 30 bikers headed back (some more under the influence than others!) One lady took a spill, but only after the lady in front of her cut too close to a bush! After an all out brawl it was determined that all survived and are well! As the signs here say....Don't let your mates drive drunk.
Our tour finished where we began, at the Whitehaven Winery. The final tastings were had, and there was a bit of retail therapy here. LeRoy was feeling guilty about getting to buy two bottles of Pinot so he bought me the prettiest merino half sweater. I look forward to wearing it when he breaks out one of his bottles!
Overall, it's beautiful, and oh so surreal .... to think we are cycling through the vines in New Zealand. Good bye, Picton. It was nice to meet you! Next stop, Sydney ... see you there!
Once we arrived in port (just a hop, skip and jump OR ferry from Wellington), we boarded a bus here that took us to Whitehaven winery. Once here, we were outfitted with bicycles, helmets and bright yellow vests. Yes, LeRoy and I cycled through this picturesque area, dotted with wineries. We could see mountains around us (and snow on one of them). Just a beautiful bright blue sky, and lush, green vineyards, sticking full of green grapes. There were very few red grapes to be seen. This is called the Marlborough Wine Trail, and we got to visit three wineries.
LeRoy and I were at the front of the pack near our guide who told us about a wonderful growing season. Harvest is about to begin as it has just turned fall here. The guide said we were some of the last groups that would be allowed into the processing area at our first stop, Nautilus Winery. They are about to get very busy here. It's a good thing that most of the ride was at the front of our trip before the tasting began!
Our next winery was just around the bend. It is called Giesen Brothers. While here we were served the most incredible board of delicious and beautiful foods (while taste testing their wines!) The foods included meats, cheeses, pates, olives, warm bread AND the famous green-lipped mussels. This was food to die for! The first thing we noticed other than the food was that our guide at Giesen was very American. In fact, he was from Indiana, and .... wait for it ... he is the nephew of one of LeRoy's high school classmates! It is a small world indeed. Incidentally, the Giesen wines are available at Costco. Their Organic Sauvignon is the one they called "world famous". We also got to test one of their Pinot Noirs, and obviously LeRoy had to buy one of those to take back to the ship. We are only allowed to bring one bottle per person back to the boat.
After Giesen, we donned our helmets and vests once more, and we headed back to Whitehaven where a convoy of 30 bikers headed back (some more under the influence than others!) One lady took a spill, but only after the lady in front of her cut too close to a bush! After an all out brawl it was determined that all survived and are well! As the signs here say....Don't let your mates drive drunk.
Our tour finished where we began, at the Whitehaven Winery. The final tastings were had, and there was a bit of retail therapy here. LeRoy was feeling guilty about getting to buy two bottles of Pinot so he bought me the prettiest merino half sweater. I look forward to wearing it when he breaks out one of his bottles!
Overall, it's beautiful, and oh so surreal .... to think we are cycling through the vines in New Zealand. Good bye, Picton. It was nice to meet you! Next stop, Sydney ... see you there!
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