Earth Day Visit To Wine Country
Waipara Valley
Yesterday was Earth Day—and the weather was wonderful: the very best sort of warm, mild autumn weather.
The vineyard
So when friend and consultant winemaker to Mountford Estate, CP Lin, said: “Come up to the vineyard and taste what we have in the vats from the current harvest”—well, how could a winelover like myself resist?
Barrels
Waipara lies about forty five minutes drive to the north of Christchurch and is one of the country’s signifcant wine growing regions.
Mountford Estate
Mountford Estate is a small winery with a big international reputation for its pinot noir in particular.
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Tasting Room
The day and the place were all spectacular.
The company was rather good as well.
"The tasting panel" with winemaker CP Lin
And I can tell you that at least one of those wines in the vats, “The Rise” pinot noir is already promising to be something really special. Although going by what I tasted yesterday, it won’t be the only one …
And finishing up with an al fresco lunch just down the road at Waipara Springs–what better way to spend Earth Day?
Waipara Springs
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Wow, what an idyllic setting. Absolutely the perfect place to celebrate earth day!
It is a great spot–although very busy right now with picking still ongoing. Next year may have to try my hand at that.
Sounds fabulous! Am very jealous 🙂 I love Waipara wines- though haven’t tried Mountford Estate
Charlotte–you should try them–the pinot noirs, riesling and pinot gris were all amazing on Sunday. Ah-maz-ing! The LA Times had the following to say about the 2007 Liaison Pinot Noir (of which I still have 1 bottle, yay!)—read here. (We were trying the 2008 on Sunday.)