WineNZ Summer 2019-20

Feature | Tripping Around the Vines
TRiPPinG AROUnD
THE VinEs
By Joan Gestro
MARTINBOROUGH
Our two-and-a-half-hour trip up the East Coast, after
leaving Wellington, over the windy Rimutakas, was
rewarded by the quaint town of Martinborough.
Martinborough is now a boutique town with
Restaurants, bars and cafes, all very well stocked
for the foodie. When we arrived in the town centre,
the place was buzzing with people relaxing in the
late afternoon sun over a glass of wine and nibbles
or early dinner. A very vibrant little town indeed.
Residents commute to Wellington, for work every day,
a bit of a trek over the Rimutakas, but there is a train
service that many choose instead of driving.
MARGRAIN VINEYARD
In the heart of Martinborough’s wine region, you will
find Margrain Vineyard. Their Vineyard and Winery
Tours take you through the vine to wine process and
the history of Martinborough wine making, tasting as
you go of course! Tour and Platter package cost is
$49.00 pp.
Margrain offer villa style accommodation, set
amongst the vines. Lovely, comfortable and
quiet. Continental breakfast is complementary; of
preserved fruit, cereal and milk. Quite good as the
accommodation was very reasonable and a bonus
of waking up to a view of the vineyard.
LOCATION: Ponatahi Road
Martinborough 5792
We made our way up the coast to the wonderful
Hawkes’ Bay where we stayed for a couple of
62 WineNZ Magazine | Summer 2019/2020