OUR BACKYARD

 You’ve never had more of an excuse to get out and explore your backyard. With the new northern motorway now up and running, it is only a 43-minute drive up to Waipara. So get some friends together for a weekend excursion (and make sure you have a sober driver!). 

The first stop should be heading to Terrace Edge, New Zealand’s Organic Winery of the Year. Turn off SH1 and head up Georges Rd. They have a number of unique wines worth checking out. I highly recommend the St Laurent, Syrah, and Albarino. 

Then, in the same neck of the woods, it’s only a five-minute drive to The Bone Line, heading further back into the Waipara Valley. Family-owned, they have growing recognition for their beautiful Cabernet Franc. If you have the time, they have a Vineyard Walkway you can meander around on the weekends. 

Following this pit stop, head back north and make a beeline for the organic winery, Black Estate. Their restaurant is justifiably famous for elegant and thoughtful organic food from chef Grant Soeberg. The outlook across the valley is worth the visit alone, and if you ever get the chance, make sure you do an evening when you can see the sunset. If you’re in a hurry, make sure you grab one of their pies! 

At Greystone, we have really worked on developing our food offering to go with the wines and now have Mel Wright, famed forager, as our head chef. Mel prepares a special weekly changing menu focussing on what is local and in season. One option of four courses with paired wines is $79 per person, but bookings are necessary for that. 

If the weather is a classic crisp Canterbury winter’s day (what the Americans would call a Bluebird day), then bring up your mountain bikes, and you can go around the Waipara Wine Trail and have a day of exploration and tasting. Nothing makes you enjoy your lunch more than earning it! 

All of these amazing opportunities are right on your doorstep, and if beer is your thing, then Amberley has the amazing Brew Moon craft brewery on the way back in. Get out and try something new in North Canterbury. 

“It does good also to take walks out of doors, that our spirits may be raised and refreshed by the open air and fresh breeze: sometimes we gain strength by driving in a carriage, by travel, by change of air, or by social meals and a more generous allowance of wine.”

– Seneca