Autumn in New Zealand’s Premier Wine Region

Vintage time hits in Marlborough as autumn brings the grape harvest. Watch as the armies of workers and harvesters move up and down rows taking the grapes from the vine, soon to become one  of several different varietals being produced in the region. Marlborough wineries offer a huge range of varieties, from exquisite Pinot Noir to intense Chardonnay, and vivacious aromatics. Over  27,000 hectares of vines producing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of grapes, expansive views over the golden vineyards in autumn is simply breath-taking.

Throughout the season, cellar doors come alive with the aroma of fermenting wine and the buzz of a province at work. Sip aromatics with a views of golden vines and eat fresh produce at one of  many vineyard restaurants. Take a guided tour around cellar doors, tasting different varietals and vintages, learning about the diverse soils and terroir in which grapes are grown and how that can
change the final product. Autumn weather is perfect for a self-guided tour by bike – and with many cellar doors a stone throw from one another, it’s not a problem to cycle from one to the other.

Pick up a wine map from the local i-SITE and plan your journey. If you would prefer to sit back and relax then jump on a wine tour with a guide by vehicle or by bike and let your taste buds be  fulfilled and your wine knowledge become far more extensive. Sip on award-winning wine and stop along the way for a leisurely lunch at a winery restaurant amongst the golden vines to enjoy the  local delicacies and soaking up the array of colours of the vines beside you.