Total Miles Traveled: 60,018
Marlborough is not the only wine region in New Zealand, but it is the most well known and exported. In fact, we hear that because of the unfavorable exchange rate and the more restrictive wine import and distribution laws in the U.S., there’s a glut of New Zealand wines, and that means lower prices.
Marlborough is primarily known for white wines – specifically sauvignon blanc and pinot gris among some other varietals.
We chartered a driver and went wine tasting with a nice couple from SF who we had met only a few days before at Abel Tasman Park, Kat and Kurt.
So what were our favorite wineries? We liked pretty much every wine at Forrest and their wines were pretty affordable. Hans Herzog was also another winner, albeit more expensive. And finally, though it’s mass produced, Cloudy Bay was very good, especially the Te Koko Sauv Blanc, which had been stored in oak longer than most other sauv blancs.
In wine country, there are also great places to eat. So we had many fantastic meals. We tried to eat as much lamb as possible, and it was very clear that lamb is better in NZ. I’m sure it’s the fact that it’s so fresh and free range.
Outside of drinking and eating, we didn’t do a whole lot and we’re proud of it. So, not many photos, but stay tuned, we’re headed up to the North Island next.