On the Wine Trail

New Zealand can stand and take a bow when Marlborough Region Sauvignon Blancs are poured. As far as I'm concerned, Kiwis can take bows for many of their Chardonnays, Syrahs, and Merlots, too. Marlborough Man Tom and I have become expert witnesses.

We had an especially fun, picture-perfect day on the Marlborough Wine Trail. We started our tour with a stop at the family-owned Villa Maria Estate. Coincidentally, our server was a darling young woman from Moscow, Idaho. She married a Kiwi in the wine-making business and has made Blenheim her home for the past 3 years. (Note to Sam: Kate has a younger sister, and I have an email address.)


Our stops included several award-winning wineries, including Herzog, Mahi, Bladen, Montana Brancott, and, of course, Cloudy Bay. We had our best lunch on the South Island at Wairau River Winery - I highly recommend their Double Baked Blue Cheese Souffle.