Hawkes' Bay Revisited

Like most parents, we would literally walk through fire for our kids. So when friends organized a weekend trip to Hawkes' Bay wine country, we readily accepted this invitation because the plans included Sam. It hardly seemed fair to deny Sam one of the same experiences afforded his sisters during their visit in February.

Admittedly, it's easier duty to walk through vineyards than walk through fire. And it was pretty tough duty renting a stunning house overlooking the Bay. It's amazing what we do for our children.





The weekend started out in a great way with dinner at the vineyard home of Elsie and Etienne's friend Andy. Andy grows and sells chardonnay and merlot grapes by day, and mans a mean barbecue by night.






Saturday's agenda included tastings at Esk Valley and Maona Park and an informative tour of one of New Zealand's oldest wineries - Church Road Winery.





We were happy to make a return visit to Mission Estate for a superb lunch.



Saturday and Sunday markets are must-do's in nearly every Kiwi community. This area's Sunday market is especially good, and we wisely returned to Andy's for brunch made with our fresh purchases.





So glad Sam's visit gave us the perfect excuse to re-visit Hawkes' Bay.