Classic NZ Wine Trail - Marlborough
Sauvignon blanc lovers should make a pilgrimage to
Marlborough if they want to taste the world's best. If you are lucky enough to visit the region during vintage, find a sauvignon blanc vine and taste the biggest, most opaque grape that you can find. It tastes strongly of passionfruit. Now find a smaller, greener berry and you might taste red capsicum, gooseberries and cut grass flavours. When the ripe bunches are picked and pressed those flavours run together and form the unique taste of
Marlborough fresh, floral sauvignon blanc. Try it with smoked salmon or goat's cheese for a special food and wine experience.
Other top local white wine styles include pungent, floral riesling, vibrant pinot gris, and chardonnay that is finer and more elegant than the Hawke's Bay model. They all taste even better when served with pan-fried fillets of fresh blue cod from the deep waters of the
Marlborough Sounds.
Marlborough is becoming increasingly famous for its high quality pinot noir. These range in style from soft, charming and irresistibly drinkable to super-serious wines that need plenty of cellaring to bring out their best flavours. All styles have one thing in common – they make a great match with Marlborough's very own green-shelled mussels that have been steamed and served with a creamy sauce.
Blenheim is an ideal base for visitors wanting to sample the local vintage, or perhaps enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the many vineyard restaurants – Domaine Georges Michel (phone 03 572 7230), Allan Scott (phone 03 572 9054) and Highfields (phone 03 572 9244) all offer dining facilities within easy reach of the town. A copy of the
Marlborough Winemakers Wine Trail Guide can be picked up at the Visitor Information Centre. Most wineries are open daily with tastings and cellar-door sales, and will ship overseas if required.
The major highlight of Blenheim's calendar – and a big drawcard for the region – is the annual
Wine Marlborough Festival in February. Some 10,000 visitors flock to town to sample an extensive selection of local wines and food, along with live music and entertainment. Entry costs $25, including a glass for sampling the vino. The week prior to the festival, the town springs to life with a series of exhibitions, arts and crafts demonstrations, markets and other special events.
Things to Do in Marlborough
Internationally renowned for its superb wines,
Marlborough is equally well known for its beauty, from the magnificent waterways of the
Marlborough Sounds, to the wine valleys of Wairau and the Awatere. Walkers can tackle the Queen Charlotte Track (69km) - a scenic journey around skyline ridges and pristine bays. Explore the picturesque town of
Picton, well known for its fishing, waterskiing and regattas. A short 20 minute drive from Picton is the region’s key wine centre,
Blenheim, or take the spectacular Cloudy Bay Coastal Route for a more leisurely drive.
