Kim Crawford
Something a bit different as we met Sue – the head viticulturalist at Kim Crawford wines. Responsible for 1000 acres of vines and the growers who own them -she has a big job. Sue was a joy – incredibly enthusiastic and absolutely passionate about all things viticultural. This was a brilliant example of how to maintain top quality over a considerable volume of fruit. From the vineyards, we headed in to the Wairau Room at Head Office and enjoyed a superb tasting with the winemakers and put what we had learnt in the vineyard to practice.
I think it is impossible to visit Marlborough and not visit this iconic winery. It will the 30th Anniversary of its founding in 2015 and I ‘m sure no one could have envisaged the story that would unfold. The wines are top class and the estate is still innovating with aged fizz, wild yeast ferments and developments into other Kiwi wine areas. We tasted a superb range in the Pinot Noir barrel cellar.
Winemaker Dinner with John Forrest
Our stay culminated with a fabulous wine dinner at Marlborough Vintners Hotel – right in the heart of the vineyards. John Forrest was our host and he guided us brilliantly through a magnificent selection of John Forrest Selection wines – the next tier up from the main range. The food was superb – a delicious fish platter followed by succulent rack of lamb and an awesome duet dessert. John is a great host and a very engaging speaker – a fabulous finale to the Marlborough section.