Wine tasting & camping in Richmond Park !Jan 7, 2005
|
|
Seanie outside the Montana winery.
Endless vines ...
Campers paradise.
| A glorious hot and sunny morning and we made our onwards to the wine valleys of the Marlborough region. A magnificent drive through luscious green rolling countryside and lots and lots of grapevines. A pit stop on the way at a local beach brought us across a little commune of retired locals, who spent their time fishing, cooking, drinking and laughing all to the tune of the banjo and piano accordion. We befriend a little old lady who showed around her camper and how to cook the best crayfish in town (with one still twitching in the pot) ! As they can't sell the crayfish the catch, they simply cook it up and give it to the campers and local oldies... what a life ! First stop in Blenheim was the Montana winery where we took a wine tasting tour and sampled a few of their wines. A fantastic setting, informative tour and yummy wine, we could have stayed there all afternoon in their restaurant garden. Alas we had to move on, so many wine houses, so little time. Having parked up in Ranwick we hired two push bikes and headed off into the countryside (after a few wobbly moments from Nat) to begin our tour of the local wineries. After a couple of successful tastings and purchases disaster struck when the back axle of Sean's bike broke (not under the weight !) leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere. Nat suddenly transformed into Wonder-woman on her bike and sped off to retreive the van and rescue Seanie & the stranded bike. A great (somewhat fantastic) feat for someone who only hours before shook at the thought of getting back in the saddle of a push bike ! After returning the bikes to a rather grumpy owner we headed off to a nature reserve where we were amazed to find the most idylic, remote, quiet camping ground we had come across. A well deserved rest and recoperation (aided by a few beers, wine and a steak dinner) insued and we sat under the stars laughing about our day. |
Advertisement 
|
