Romance in the vines: Cross Hares

Romance is in the air at Tai Tapu vineyard Cross Hares, so much so that a couple who just popped by their cellar door for a bottle, ended up getting engaged by the vines, not at all deterred by the activity of Warrick and his digger in action!     They’ve been busy harvesting grapes […]

Pick a piquette

One old drink is gaining new popularity for its low alcohol content and fresh, light flavours. Meet piquette, the Centuries-old mellow and humble wine-ish beverage having its moment in the sun (again).     This drop is a low alcohol wine made from the second pressings of grape pomace (the pulpy residue after grapes have […]

All fun and games: Melton Estate

Exciting new things are happening for local winery Melton Estate. An expansive setting for weddings, conferences, and Christmas parties – this boutique vineyard is adding yet another reason to the list of reasons to have your next event here.   Three words; multi-purpose games lawn. The new space includes two Pétanque courts and lawns for […]

Grape Expectations: Melton Estate

Nestled comfortably on a 12-acre block on Weedons Ross Road, West Melton, Melton Estate is, at its heart, a modern restaurant and event venue, but it’s the boutique winery which is meeting the grape expectations of a loyal and growing patronage.     Owner and wine afficionado Philip Caunter says that while the popular winery […]

Why Waipara Springs Winery?

The Waipara wine region, an hour north of Christchurch, boasts 75 vineyards and stretches over more than 1,200 hectares of plantings. It is renowned for the amazing pinot noirs and rieslings that are produced there. But every great region has an equally great origin story; a pioneer in the trade and for this particular district… […]

Stellar Vintage

The anticipation is building at Cross Hares Wines; the 2020 grape harvest is about to begin. “This looks like being a stellar vintage,” owner Natalie Edwards says. “The quality and quantity of the fruit on the vines is superb. The weather over the ripening period has been settled and we haven’t had any major rain […]

Divine Vines

Only 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport, the beautiful Melton Estate is a family-owned boutique winery, restaurant and event venue. Set amidst 12 acres of vines, visitors can relax on the expansive deck and take in the beautiful surroundings the of lawns, gardens and the lush pinot noir vines surrounding the restaurant.     The winery […]

A vintage year: Cross Hares

The daffodils are in full flower, lambs are frolicking and the vines at Cross Hares are already forming new buds of spring.     For vintners Natalie and Warrick Edwards, it’s been a busy year at the vineyard, but the rewards have been worth all the hard work and anxiety, as by early October they […]

Home of fine wine: Clark Estate

Clark Estate needs no introduction for budding wine connoisseurs.     The family owned 36-acre vineyard in the Upper Awatere Valley in Marlborough is home to some of the most delectable vintages in the South Island. One could describe the wines of Clark Estate in three words – powerful, vibrant and authentic. Powerful in terms […]

A noble tipple: Clark Estate Winery

Clark Estate Winery’s new wild-fermented range Clericus offers a broader, more sophisticated taste. A derivative of Clark, Clericus is a word associated with the most noble scholars in Roman society – and the exquisite selection is certainly worthy of its namesake.     Slowly ageing since 2016, the Clericus range includes a Wild Sauvignon Blanc […]