Visiting New Zealand’s Marlborough District is one of the most rewarding experiences that you can have as a traveler. This region is the country’s most acclaimed wine region, with a wealth of vineyards producing some of the world’s finest wines. There are so many great places to visit that you could easily spend weeks enjoying the beauty and delicious tastes of the region.
Awatere Valley
Located in the southern part of New Zealand, Marlborough is a wine region with two sub-regions. The Awatere Valley and the Wairau Valley are both ideal for growing grapes. These areas produce some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir in the world.
The Awatere Valley is situated near the Pacific Ocean on the seaward side of Marlborough. It is a region that produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. It also produces Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Gruner Veltliner.
The region is home to more than twenty thousand hectares of grapevines. There are a number of wineries located in the region. The Vavasour family were the first commercial growers in the region, and they were the first to plant vines in the Awatere Valley.
Cloudy Bay
Located in Marlborough, New Zealand, Cloudy Bay is one of the first five wineries to be established in the region. Founded by David Hohnen in 1985, the winery is named after the Cloudy Bay that was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770.
Cloudy Bay’s most famous wine is the Sauvignon Blanc. This variety was the first in the region to receive the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Top Wines of the World designation. The wine is known for its bright citrus flavors and strong aromatic character. The wine is made from grapes grown in the Wairau Valley and Central Otago.
The winery also produces Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Wine tastings and tours are available at the winery’s cellar door. The winery also has a guest house that offers a relaxing retreat with views of the Wairau Valley. The guest house features floor to ceiling windows that connect with the landscape.
Te Whare Ra
Founded in 1979 by Allen and Joyce Hogan, Te Whare Ra is the first boutique winery in Marlborough. It is one of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough and is certified organic through BIOGRO New Zealand. It produces a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Noir.
Te Whare Ra produces small batches of grapes to ensure great quality fruit. The winery is committed to biodiversity and organic practices. All of the grapes are hand-picked and processed to make its wines. It has an extensive focus on soil health and uses magic cow poo natural fertiliser. Most of its white wines are fermented in steel, and most of its red wines are barrel fermented.
Wine tasting is available at the vineyard’s tasting room, which is located on the second story of the winery’s cellar. It is well worth a visit.
Havelock
Located on the northern tip of the South Island, Marlborough is a beautiful region surrounded by stunning landscapes. It is the largest grape growing area in New Zealand. Marlborough’s vineyards are a mixture of old and new world winemaking techniques.
The region is home to several world famous brands. Marlborough has some of the best gourmet produce in the country. It is also renowned for its green-lipped mussels and oysters.
Marlborough is also home to several craft breweries. The region’s largest town is Blenheim. Blenheim is a well-known tourist spot, boasting a number of upscale restaurants, shops, and accommodation options. The town also serves as the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Track and the Marlborough Sounds.
The town of Havelock is located about 30 minutes from Blenheim. The town is home to a number of historic colonial buildings. The town also boasts a museum with interesting displays on the town’s past.
Central Otago Pinot Noir
During the Gold Rush in the 1860’s, Central Otago was a major wine producing region. Wines were renowned for their aromatics and savoury nuances. Wines produced in Central Otago are now considered some of New Zealand’s most voluptuous. Almost 80% of Central Otago vineyards are planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
The climate in Central Otago is semi-arid with cool, dry winters and relatively cool, dry summers. There are four main wine growing sub-regions in Central Otago. The Cromwell Basin includes Bannockburn, Felton, Lowburn, and the Lake Hayes region.
The drier Cromwell Basin region ripens the Pinot Noir grape 10-14 days earlier than the warmer Central Otago. The cooler climate also allows the vines to grow deeper roots as they age.
