Ata Rangi
Helen Masters, the winemaker at Ata Rangi, greeted us at the cellar door and took us for a wander round the Pinot Noir vineyards. Ata Rangi is one of the most accomplished estates in New Zealand, let alone Martinborough, and yet the whole ambience is very relaxed and unassuming. Moving into the tasting we were met by owners Clive and Phyll who took us through their exceptional range of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, and of course fabulous Pinot Noirs.
The sun shone, the labradors frolicked amongst the vines and it was a truly lovely experience.
Tasman crossing
The doom mongers were in force prior to the crossing to the south island. A forecast of high seas was being circulated around the bus, someone had a you tube video compilation of the worst crossings in the past 50 years and sea sickness pills were being traded for gold bullion. Fortunately, my forecast of a millpond crossing was correct and we had a glorious crossing – the entry into the Marlborough Sound is amazing!