Day 7 was a travel day, with all of us taking the Christchurch route from Blenheim to Queenstown – avoiding the rather exciting crossing some had experienced taking the Wellington route on the previous tour!
On our first full day in Queenstown and the Central Otago wine region, and once again the sun is shining – I have to confess to some wonderful luck with the weather since arriving.
We stopped off in Old Cromwell town for a quick coffee. All the old buildings have been restored to look like yesteryear – beautifully situated on the lake.
Suitably sustained we arrived at the biodynamic vineyards of Domaine Rewa.
Grant the viticuluralist and Sue the biodynamics practicioner gave us a really detailed insight into what it takes to become fully certified.
We become extremely familiar with the varying degrees of maturing organic cow dung that are used to spread onto the soil and Sue really got across the importance of the lunar cycles and homeopathic style approach she employs.
From Rewa it was back down the Kawarau gorge for lunch at Wild Earth.
Quintin Q
uider is the charismatic owner of Wild Earth – whose Pinot Noir shot to fame a few years back when their 2006 won top awards at the International Wine Challenge.
The restaurant is really innovative – all the food is cooked in the patented barrel cooker – needs to be seen to be believed.
The five dish, five wine tasting platter was great fun and utterly delicious, as were the wines.