Wellington & Martinborough info

[michel]

We are finally spending a few days post bushwalk in Wellington and will do a day trip to Martinborough.
Any wine shops cafe or restaurants of note?
Not necessarily high brow- more friendly produce driven
Tia
Michel

[rooman]

Michel

I am sure you will know the big names in the area but the surprise package for me a few years back at a kiwi pinot tasting on the roof of the MCA was Schubert. Their Block B was the standout pinot of the evening for me. It also picked up a top 5 award a couple of years ago in a Decanter tasting of NZ pinots.

http://www.schubert.co.nz/index.php/en/ ... pinot-noir

[michel]

Funny you say that
I had two vineyards on my radar
Schubert ( i have had that one you mention)and
Kasuda

[Teebs]

Ata Rangi is certainly worth a visit but from memory they have a morning and afternoon sessions and close for about two hours over lunch.

+1 for Schubert as well, loved it.

[The Hunter]

Always liked Tirohana (in the past some of their Piniot's have been highly regarded), and they also do a good feed ! Also suggest a quick beverage at The Martinborough Hotel, and a good cheese shop on the main drag into town. Another that has impressed is Margrain

[odyssey]

+2 for both Schubert and Ata Rangi.

I also recommend tasting and lunch at Poppies Vineyard. Poppy is the former winemaker at Dry River and her husband the former viticulturalist. She usually is serving at the cellar door, lovely person and they do an excellent lunch platter in the attached restaurant.

[odyssey]

Also highly highly recommend the ideal way of tasting Martinborough, by staying the night at Aylstone rather than daytripping it. Beautiful spot situated at a gem of a location right in the middle of the vineyards.

Most of the cellar doors are all on the doorstep within a 1km or so strip, Schubert literally across the road. Perfect place to make a strolling day of wine tasting up the road and go back to settle in afterwards, no driving necessary.

Martinborough Wine Merchants in town stocks a few wine labels including current vintage Dry River, if you need more wine, as well as serving wine by the glass.

[michel]

awesome help thanks

[JDSJDS]

Another option I have enjoyed doing is renting a bicycle and pedaling around the wineries - you can reach most of them easily (no big hills!).