Sunday – Martinborough and the wine tasting tour!

The van’s expert map reader (obviously Ben) planned a detailed route for the day, touring around some of Martinborough’s 50 boutique vineyards, some no bigger than a front garden (there is hope for that vine in your garden yet Mum Smith!).

As the majority of the vineyards were within a 3km radius of town we decided to stretch our legs and walk. So, we set off with a spring in our step, and high hopes on today's tasting experience.  We walked along the quaint high street and past the glamorous old fashioned town hotel.

First stop was Canadoro Wines, a small family owned winery where we sampled a handful of wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Vineyard number 2 was Tirohana Estate, where we stuck to our favourites and only sampled the reds.

A short walk away was Haythornthwaite Wines, another small family run business where we sampled all that was on offer – this was Nicola’s favourite of the day!

Next stop was Ben’s favourite of the day Ata Rangi, again we tried all that was on offer…and left feeling like our cheeks had well and truly started glowing!

With a quick stop at Schubert (lets not mention the Germans!), we stopped in at Margrain Vineyard, where after sampling their full catalogue we made a purchase…’Mad Red’, made from the Martinborough mystery grape, and delicious!  As time was getting on a bit we decided to visit their on site cafe to eat lunch, and what better to have with wine!

Only 2 more stops before throwing in the towel….Martinborough Vineyard and Muirlea Rise…phew!   Feeling slightly giggly we walked back to our campsite via the Martinborough Wine Centre where we purchased 1 more bottle of red for a later date.

We sat reading our tasting notes and reminiscing on what a good day we had had…and thought what better than to toast the day with the wines we had bought…which was a slippery slope…hick!