4 night itinerary - Gourmet Food and Wine
4
Nights accommodation - Old St Mary’s Convent
In the heart of
Marlborough's wine growing area lies Old Saint Mary's Convent -- a haven for
the discerning traveller, where luxury boutique accommodation and an intimate
retreat may be found. Old Saint
Mary's Convent is situated on an estate of 60 acres of vineyard and parkland
and is surrounded on all sides by the vineyards and olive groves Marlborough is
famous for.
Day 1:
Arrive
at Old St Mary’s Convent. Explore the
beautiful property and grounds or simply relax in your suite before dining out
in one of Blenheim’s many restaurants.
Day 2: Gourmet Wine & Food Tour
A guided 6 hour private tour. The Gourmet
wine and food tour has education and experience in mind. It is designed for those who have a real
interest in wines and gourmet foods.
Each of the stops has been specifically designed with an emphasis on
wine appreciation, wine and food matching, or wine education and viticulture.
You will be picked up from from Old St Mary’s Convent and will start the day with a visit to
Marlborough’s oldest boutique Winery, Te Whare Ra, for a tour through the
winery with the winemaker. This is an
exceptional learning experience for those wanting to learn more about viticulture
and producing fine wines. Visit Grove Mill winery for an
aromatics demonstration and a wine tasting with a difference. This wine tasting pairs Grove Mill wines to
specific food matches and explains the characteristics of good wine and food matching. Enjoy a truly divine wine and food
match lunch at a Marlborough winery restaurant. This fabulous three course wine and food match lunch highlights
the very best of fresh local produce and local wines. Visit Marlborough’s Icon winery,
Cloudy Bay, for a tasting of these world famous, award winning wines. As Marlborough’s best known winery
internationally, Cloudy Bay is our most requested winery in the region. Enjoy a tasting of the Pelorus bubbles, the
Te Koko Sauvignon and the fabulous Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir. Finish the day with a sweet treat
with a visit to Makana Chocolates.
Watch as these divine chocolates are hand made and enjoy a tasting of
the finished product.
Day 3 - Greenshell Mussel Cruise
Your
Greenshell Mussel Cruise departs Havelock Marina at 1.30pm. From Blenheim - follow the main highway from
Blenheim through Renwick and onwards to Havelock. The signage is very good so just look out for signs to Havelock
or Nelson. This scenic drive takes you
through the wine region, the small township of Renwick and through the valleys
to Havelock. On arrival in Havelock
take a right hand turn down to the Havelock Marina. This drive will take you approximately 30 minutes. This
cruise is truly unique as it takes in the three highlights of Marlborough; the
stunning Marlborough
Sounds, the Greenshell™ Mussels and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Experience
a perfect match of all three in a beautiful part of Marlborough.
Your cruise itinerary will include:
- An afternoon scenic cruise through the Kenepuru
Sound. (A stunning area of the Marlborough
Sounds.)
- Take in the natural beauty of the native bush
and the tranquility of the Sounds.
- Learn from your experienced Skipper the history
of the Marlborough
Sounds andthe
history of the pioneering families who have settled in the Sounds over 6generations.
- Visit a Greenshell™ Mussel farm where your
experienced skipper will explain theintricacies
of growing this delicacy in the Sounds
- Taste a local favourite – freshly steamed Mussels
matched perfectly to acomplimentary
glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Day 4 - Herzog
Kitchen Confidential
his
is the ultimate “behind the scenes” experience for a total insight into the
live kitchen world! Join our Michelin
star practiced chefs from 4.30pm to observe how they run their mise en place
and prepare for the coming service. Our
chefs are keen to explain everything to you while they work. Watch them creating the gourmet menu’s many
components, from breads and appetizers to friands, and witness the first orders
going out. Then it’s your turn to head
out to the restaurant for some serious pampering.
Day 5
After
a delicious breakfast it is time to say farewell and continue on your journey.
What's included in this 4 night itinerary?
- 4 Nights accommodation
- Daily breakfasts and 2 lunches
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour including lunch & transfers
- Greenshell Mussel Cruise including mussel tasting & a glass of Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc
- Herzog Kitchen Confidential & 5 course Degustation Dinner