Yesterday was spent travelling north and stumbling upon a very nice motel in Hastings in which we have decided to base ourselves for a couple of days. We certainly missed the freedom of our little camper the previous night when we booked into a hotel and given a room with shared bathroom and late night karaoke - it was cheap though and it was a Saturday night!
Today had us responding to the 'Call of the Hawkes Bay vineyards' and joining a small group to tour 4 of the well known New Zealand wine producers. However having had almost two dozen tasting neither of us could tell the difference between a 'Sauv' and a 'Chav' let alone make a call on the 'best'. So here are a few pictures of the vineyards, some of their personalities and us (Colin?) quaffing 'approachable' wines with 'a subtle oak influence' and with the 'aroma of chopped beetroot'.
:The last vineyard was owned by a UK couple who kindly provided the necessary food support by providing a cold platter of meats and cheeses. They purchased the vineyard 8 years and produce small batches (no more than 350 cases) of hand crafted wines that are not widely available commercially.
So-- less of swimming and more "drowning in a vat of Malmsey" ?!
ReplyDeleteThe Malmsey was a bit sweet, the Viognier was more to our taste. Don't think Tesco have heard of that so the Stanpit wine merchant may be a better bet.
DeleteSorted! - TBC
Delete