Wine capital
Christchurch | South Island is now the
newest member of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals
Global Network, representing New Zealand to the world. Nestled
amongst snowy mountains and golden beaches , the Christchurch|
South Island Great Wine Capital is a central hub that unites the
five South Island wine regions. These regions include
Canterbury, Waipara,
Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman, and
Central Otago. Each of these regions has its own
unique conditions, culture, people and atmosphere, enabling them to
produce unique flavours and a story of their own.
With Christchurch's special position at the heart of this
diverse and dramatic range of wine tourism destinations, it's the
perfect place to set up camp and sample all that this Great Wine
Capital of the world has to offer.
Waipara Wine Valley
Just 45 minutes from Christchurch, discover the Waipara Wine
Valley - New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Choose from
over 20 wineries, 15 cellar doors and three specialised winery
restaurants. Sample innovative menus at local cafes, visit farm
gate and artisan producers, and, if you can spare a night, enjoy
the generous hospitality of a top-class country retreat. The
Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's finest wine regions.
Commercial grape growing began in 1982 and there are now over 20
wineries producing over 250,000 cases annually.
The Valley's unique microclimate and well-drained soils are well
suited for premium grape production. The valley is nestled in the
lee of the Teviotdale hills and open to the warming northwest
winds, but protected from cool easterly winds. Many wineries offer
tastings and cellar door sales, with some featuring fantastic
winery restaurants. The Waipara Valley is an enjoyable half or full
day trip, and you have the appealing option of joining an organised
wine tour.
This region contains two of New Zealand's most established and
well known wineries - Pegasus Bay and Mud House.
Pegasus Bay, recently named NZ Best Winery
Restaurant in the Cuisine magazine awards, is a 100% family-owned
winery based in the Waipara Valley, 30 minutes north of
Christchurch. They create many wines across two labels: Pegasus Bay
and Main Divide. Pegasus Bay wines are made exclusively with
estate-grown grapes from their 100-acre vineyard where planting
began in 1985. The Main Divide label is also made at Pegasus Bay
Winery but with fruit sourced from selected South Island
growers.
Mud House, with their "shop, taste, dine, buy wine"
experience has also become a popular venue destination and facility
for events, concerts and conferences as well as the home of their
award-winning wines and wild new menu.
Mud House winery is also the home of the Mud House Summer
Series. These summer sell out concerts attract thousands of guests
to see big names such as Joe Cocker, Hammond Gamble, Midge Marsden,
Hayley Westenra, Dave Dobbyn, Brooke Fraser, Golden Horse and Anika
Moa - and with performers like these it's not surprising.
Selwyn
The Selwyn district is the home to nine wineries,
including the magnificent Melton Estate vineyard,
situated in West Melton, 20 minutes west of Christchurch. Melton
Estate produces the fantastic grape varieties typical of its
region, particularly the Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and
Riesling varieties. Grown over 12 acres, Melton Estate uses some of
Canterbury's oldest as well as newest vines.
Melton Estate also features in the magnificent Selwyn Food And
Wine Trail alongside eight other vineyards, home-made
juice makers, cheese makers, local farms, olives
groves, markets and other local produce in Selwyn to make up this
popular attraction.
North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail
North Canterbury's magical landscape is surrounded by alps,
rivers and coast line. Throughout the region, there are small towns
and villages full of people who have a passion for producing food
and wine from the land.
The North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail provides
you with all you need to know to get the most out of this wine
region. Such as, information on each of the wineries, superb
restaurants in the region including the award winning Nor' Wester
Café, cellar doors, cozy B&B's and farm-stays, info on fine
local produce, how to get there and even readymade itineraries put
together by locals who know what their talking about.
Hanmer Springs and Hurunui
Many exciting and award winning wines have been produced around
the Hurunui District. Unique characteristics, such as
hot summers, protection from cool winds and free-draining soils
promote excellent vintages, notably the Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling,
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are building quite a
reputation.
Hanmer Springs village in Hurunui is home to the
famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. This is
the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine amongst
magnificent alpine views. There are also a number of local
restaurants here promoting wines from the region, matched with
great food.
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula is full of picturesque bays, seaside villages,
boutique galleries and cafes. Banks Peninsula encompasses the small
town and major port of Lyttelton and stretches right
across the harbor to the charming French colonised town of
Akaroa, cradled in the arms of an ancient volcano.
Here, you will be swept up in the harbour views and the outer bays
from around the hills. In the village itself, spend a leisurely day
exploring boutique shops, an antique museum, galleries and gourmet
eateries, or swim with the rare Hector's dolphin.
Just 30 minutes outside the village, en route from Christchurch,
you will notice the French Farm Winery, restaurant and
function centre. Located in a valley overlooking the harbor, it
provides natural shelter, giving the vineyard its very own micro
climate. Since it first attracted settlers in the 1800s, it has
continued the French wine making traditions, producing Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and the very popular Pinot Gris.
Akaroa and French farm is a convenient getaway from the hustle
and bustle of city life and is not to be missed.
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