Sancerre is the ancestral home of sauvignon blanc. The first record of sauvignon blanc being planted in France was in the Loire in 1534. With some 90 per cent of the country’s sauvignon blanc plantings, it is certainly Aotearoa’s capital of the grape variety.įrance, and specifically the Loire Valley, also has a strong claim to the world title. All the more impressive when you consider New Zealand produces just one per cent of the world’s wine. These days, the region has the highest concentration of sauvignon blanc plantings in the world. By the mid-80s, the region’s savs, with their zingy acidity and heady aromas of tropical fruit and freshly cut grass, had become world-famous. It wasn’t until Montana (now Brancott Estate) began producing sauvignon blanc in Marlborough in the 1980s that Kiwis really came around to the variety. The brothers produced New Zealand’s first commercial quantity of sauvignon blanc – some 400 bottles – at their tin shed Matua Valley winery in 1974, only to find Kiwi palates weren’t ready for it. The Californian vine which spawned New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc industry didn’t arrive in the country until about 1970, and we didn’t manage to produce it commercially for another four years.Įager to experiment with different grape varieties, West Auckland brothers Bill and Ross Spence tracked down vine cuttings. Is Marlborough really the sauvignon blanc capital of the world? The contention that Marlborough is the sauvignon blanc capital of the world is, well, contentious.įrance, after all, is considered the birthplace of sauvignon blanc, having grown the zingy green grape variety since at least the 16th century. As you paddle deeper into the Sounds it's common to spot enormous stingrays, which come up for a closer look. The guides are excellent at picking out wildlife, including dolphins and the occasional killer whales, which come looking for stingrays. A guided tour will have you feeling removed from civilisation within minutes as you glide along past bush-clad cliffs. One of the best ways to explore the Sounds is with Sea Kayak Adventures, which has a base in the coastal village of Anikiwa. The boat is operated by Phil and Deborah Clegg, who have exceptional knowledge of the local area – and will happily let you get behind the helm and have a go at sailing. The skipper will even row ashore for the night to allow you to enjoy the ambience. However, Sounds by Sail offers a luxury night afloat its 32-footer for $395 per person, which includes dinner in a remote bay with local wine. BROOK SABIN A floating hotel at seaĬhartering a yacht sounds like something only the rich and famous do. Sounds by Sail operates a luxury 32ft Beneteau yacht. You can’t swim here, but carry on along the road and you’ll get to Marfells Beach. The startlingly alien-like Lake Grassmere (Kāpara te hau), which varies from pale to purple, is caused by the presence of tiny algae and pink shrimp in the water. Even Australia’s pink lakes are currently out of bounds, but the result of the same conditions which make those bodies of water so distinctive can be seen just half an hour’s drive from Blenheim. The Red Sea is too far away for most of us to visit. Read more Marlborough's startling alien-like salt lake At almost every turn, you'll see a new secluded bay, surrounded by native bush and emerald waters. It's dramatically windy, at times following the ridgeline, with imposing cliffs to the bays below. The road is only 60 kilometres but it will take you more than an hour and a half to drive. Officially known as the Croisilles Harbour–French Pass Road, this is one of the country's best hidden gems. In Marlborough, you'll find New Zealand's version of the winding Amalfi Coast - only with cliffside farms rather than vineyards. You'll climb saddles through dense fern forest, catch glimpse of Marlborough's highest mountain, and pass through lush farmland - with only birds for company. Most people get a shuttle back, so they don’t have to do the return walk. The 27-kilometre Nydia Track runs from Pelorus Sound across to Duncan Bay, with an overnight stop in Nydia. Read more The best walk you've never heard ofįorget the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte this is a more rugged alternative and considered an “advanced” walk by DOC standards. Picton’s Victoria Domain boasts 13 kilometres of trail ranging from easy to advanced - with spectacular views around almost every corner. Beginner riders might prefer a leisurely tasting tour of the region’s world-famous wineries. The golden, softly rolling Wither Hills are a super-scenic landscape for a leg stretch. Choose from town or country, easy or epic, and enjoy some dining, wine tasting or coastal scenery on the side. Grand landscapes, endless sunshine and a flourishing trail network is putting Marlborough firmly on the cycling map. ![]() ![]() MARLBOROUGHNZ These routes were made for cycling You can walk and cycle the Queen Charlotte Track.
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