Day 4 – April 3, 2025 – Food & Wine!

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Today’s post is dedicated to Carrie, because you asked for it.

Today was all about food & wine! We were met at our Lodge by our driver, John, in a fancy BMW. We were told the car had been used to drive members of parliament which was why there was a phone in the car and a place on the hood for a flag. Even if I had a US flag, not sure in the current environment if that would have been a good idea.

Our plan for today was to visit three vineyards in the Otego region. Two before lunch, and one after. It was going to be a fabulous day.

It was early because it was more than an hour’s drive to our first vineyard, Cox vineyard. Nick, the vineyard manager, was there to greet us at the “Cellar Door”, what we would call the tasting room, and explain about the grapes, the wine and the vineyard. They do not have their own winery, and until recently they did not have their own label. Previously the grapes had been sold to other wineries. But since those wines kept winning awards, the owners decided they needed to make their own wine under their own label.

The wines were very good, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir were the main attractions. This being a cooler region, the Pinot Noirs are the main Red.

The second winery we visited was Domaine Thompson. Here was a very beautiful garden leading up to their “Cellar Door” where they had two very nicely appointed rooms for tastings. The owners here also have a vineyard in Burgandy. So, they show their Pinot Noir exceptionally well.

Next on the agenda was lunch. We arrived at The Stoaker Room in Cromwell. Here they cook the food in French Oak Pinot Noir Barrel Cookers called Stoakers. We had a “tasting” with wine pairings. The food was fabulous. It consisted of a tasting menu with wine pairings. From right to left, Venison, Goat Ragu, Duck Breast, Pork Tenderloin, and finally Skate.

We then headed to our last winery of the day, Waitiri Creek vineyard. Here we had a taste of their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Rosé and Pinot Noir. We especially liked the Rosé, and the 2013 Pinot was interesting. We will be tasting these again at home.

We left here and took a drive through Arrowtown. The area in Otego is known for historic gold finds in the 1860’s. Arrowtown consists of a street of historic buildings housing shops and a museum. We took a brief walk and then headed back to Blanket Bay.

We rested up in our Chalet, then headed over to the main lodge for some cocktails and eventually dinner, though we really were not that hungry after the lunch we had.

But as always, dinner did not disappoint. A gourmet menu that was extraordinary in looks and taste.

Then back to our room for a well-deserved sleep. Tomorrow is a day of leisure where we will just be relaxing.

3 thoughts on “Day 4 – April 3, 2025 – Food & Wine!”

  1. SUSAN WERTHEIM

    Quite a day and what a great assortment of wines and food! Thank you for 😀
    Hope you enjoyed your day of rest to be ready for your next part of the adventure!

  2. Carrie

    Howard, thanks for making this foodie girls’ heart happy! It felt like an extravagant food day might be coming up and it did not disappoint…everything looked amazing! Enjoy your day of rest 😀

  3. John Leith

    Was a pleasure to take you both on the wine tour yesterday – look forward to receiving the mushroom bourguignon recipe. Safe travels and enjoy the rest of your antipodean adventure.
    Kind regards
    John

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