The Marlborough Sounds – and Some Wine Tasting

While in New Zealand, Hilary and I decided not to rent a car, partly because we didn’t think we would really need one and partly because we weren’t too keen on attempting to drive on the right side of the car and on the left side of the road!  However, once in Marlborough, we realized that we really wanted to get out and see some of the countryside.  Our Airbnb host, Katrina, connected us with a small tour company and we had a wonderful half day of private sightseeing followed by a half day of wine tasting with two couples who joined us after lunch.

Our drive took us through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.  The Sounds are an extensive network of “drowned river valleys” known as rias.  Because the Sounds are saltwater fed, their depth rises and falls with the tides.  The Sounds were used for shelter and fishing by ancient Maori tribes prior to the arrival of the Europeans.  Today, the Sounds are known for the abundance of seafood, notably blue cod and the incredible green-lipped mussels, and as a popular vacation and tourism area. The beautiful drive took us both along and above the coastline, and over lush hillsides, with countless breathtaking vistas.  Our destination for lunch was the port of Picton, a charming town full of shops, restaurants and parks.  Hilary hit the jackpot when she ordered the green-lipped mussels – we had never seen such gorgeous mollusks and the taste and texture were even better!  My choice was fish and chips which afforded the opportunity to try the famous blue cod—but I wish I had ordered the mussels!

Fortified by our delicious lunch, we set off for the afternoon of wine tasting.  Our first stop was Saint Clair Family Estate, winner of more awards for their Sauvignon Blanc than any other Marlborough producer.  Vineyard development began in 1978 and St. Clair now encompasses fifteen distinct vineyards. The diversity of the sites enables them to produce more than a dozen other varietals in addition to Sauvignon Blanc which dominates at seventy percent.  The 2015 Pioneer Block Chardonnay was impressive, with aromas and flavors of stone fruits and spice.

Our next stop was Allan Scott Family Winemakers.  Allan Scott was involved in the planting of some of Marlborough’s first vineyards in 1973 and founded his own company in 1990.  The family loves sparkling wine and produces four, made in the classic Méthode Traditionelle.  They produce several different Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs along with a handful of other varietals. The most surprising wine, which I had never heard of, was their Cavalier Green Ginger Wine.  My initial impression was why?  Then I tasted it.  It is warm and spicy and can be mixed into a variety of cocktails.  I wish it was available stateside – maybe one day!

Our final stop of the day was Framingham, a 100-acre boutique winery that specializes in Riesling.  This environmentally sustainable operation makes eight different varieties of Riesling, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.  I loved their F-Series 2018 Old Vine Riesling, a dry wine with delicious ripe apple notes.

What a wonderful day of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and visits with three unique wineries.

Please stay tuned for day three coming up, soon!

Cheers!