Marlborough Wine Trail: Through the vineyards of Blenheim
Although it is depressingly flat and unremarkable looking, Blenheim – Marlborough’s largest town – is a popular tourist base, primarily for those intent on sampling the region’s fine wines. Most of the wineries lie just to the west of town, on the fertile soils of the Wairau Plains. In Blenheim you can be sure a local winemaker will never be far away. Winemaking in Marlborough is big business and fiercely competitive; it brings new meaning to the phrase ‘designer label’.
Wineries
The biggest attractions around Blenheim – and arguably the entire region – are the world-class wineries. Sun-baked Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region, with over 50 wineries producing highly acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, sparkling Methode Champenoise and some of best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Montana sowed the first seeds of success in the early 1970s and is now the largest winery in the country. Three decades on, Montana has been joined by other world-famous names and has become a major national export industry.
Like Hawke’s Bay in the North Island, the wineries have been quick to take advantage of the tourist dollar, with most offering tours, tastings (free or small charge) and good restaurants. Although the competition in Marlborough is fierce, the region’s vineyards lack the architectural splendour or variety of Hawke’s Bay. Perhaps they just leave the wine to do the talking.
If you are a complete novice it’s a good idea to join one of the many excellent tours on offer. They generally last a full- or half-day, taking in the pick of the crop and the widest variety of wine types. There is always an informative commentary, often a lunch stop and, of course, numerous tastings included in the package. If you know a bit about wines and have particular tastes, many tour operators will create a personal itinerary. If you wish to explore by yourself, there are plenty of maps and leaflets at the VIC (I-Site).
Some excellent and detailed information about the region and New Zealand wines generally can be found in the magazine Campbell’s Wine Annual, which can be bought in most leading bookshops and magazine outlets. The VIC (I-Site) also produces The Wines and Wineries of Marlborough – Wine Trail Map and The Marlborough Wine Region broadsheet. With all of these you cannot go wrong. For web information visit http://www.winemarlborough.net.nz....
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