The origin of wine-making is aptly obscure. Some archaeological evidence points to China as the source, circa 7,000 BC, and others claim it to be in Georgia.
The area has taken the Sauvignon Blanc market by storm, establishing itself as the market leader. It is absolutely divine and you don’t need to be a wine buff to say so- Paul Zammit Cutajar
Whichever it is, wine production in New Zealand started just over 100 years ago, and in the wine-making world it was looked upon as an upstart novice. France, with a reputation of stubborn arrogance, guffawed at just the thought of it.
After all, New Zealand was renowned for dairy farming, agriculture, lamb and wool. In my younger days, it was all about Anchor butter and New Zealand lamb or mutton.
So, I guess, the French were somewhat justified for questioning the success, or otherwise, of Kiwi wine-producers. Little did they know.
As they were having a good giggle, New Zealand, along with the other New World wine-makers, set about producing some darn good wines that caused the revolution that we know today.
Caught with their pants down, European wine producers suffered a massive blow as the young and not so young generations took to the modern, sexy and refreshing look of New World wines.
It is easy to understand what’s inside a New Zealand bottle of wine, as opposed to needing a degree in viniculture to decipher a ‘appellation d’origine’ bottle.
A Pinot Noir-labelled bottle is what it is – Pinot Noir, as opposed to a Domaines des Comtes Lafon Volnay Santenots-du- Milieu Premier Cru, which ultimately, is also a Pinot Noir, albeit from the Burgundy region.
Driving through the winelands of Marlborough on the south island of New Zealand is a dream. One wine estate after another is around every corner.
The area has become world famous and has taken the Sauvignon Blanc market by storm, establishing itself as the market leader. It is absolutely divine and you don’t need to be a wine buff to say so.
Out of pure chance I pulled into Withers Hill, mostly because it sits upon a little hill with wonderful views.
The enticing aromas emerging from the kitchen forced me to stay for lunch. The food and the wine were as exquisite as the views.
I restricted myself to one glass of the superb Sauvignon for the simple reason of the zero tolerance drink-driving regulations in New Zealand. As the maximum allowance is one glass of wine, or beer, drunk with a meal, you’d best have a substitute driver on your travels. Alas, I had none.
However, there are two bottles of the nectar of life safely packed in the bottom of my suitcase.
‘Wake up and smell the lavender’. With lavender fields on one side and vineyards of the other, French Fields is a gem of a luxury boutique bed-and-breakfast.
Tucked away in a quiet drive, elegant Ruth Struthers runs the place with such charm and hospitality that you feel so homely and comfortable. Her eye for detail is remarkable. There is a genuine feel of Provence when staying there. Will I return? Like a shot!
The following day I visited the Brancott wine estate. One month earlier I was in New Zealand following the Rugby World Cup. Brancott was one of the leading sponsors, so my curiosity got the better of me. The views from their heritage centre are truly spectacular.
I love those lazy one- and two-storey towns and Blenheim is the only one in the area. With easy parking, easy shopping and many ethnic eateries, you could walk through the centre of town within minutes.
If you ever get wined-out, head for the spectacular Omaka Aviation Centre. This is no ordinary museum. With Peter Jackson’s hand in it, the displays are frighteningly real. The rare memorabilia is worthy of any national collection.
If you happen to be there during an air show, you will enjoy a captivating experience of these magnificent flying machines of years gone past, and yes, they do fly.
France and New Zealand have had a rocky relationship over the years. The French intelligence service sinking of the Greenpeace flagship, The Rainbow Warrior, in Auckland harbour and nuclear testing in French Polynesia are two cases in point.
Driving through the winelands of Marlborough is a dream. One wine estate after another is around every corner- Paul Zammit Cutajar
Relations have mellowed in recent times, but New Zealand claimed a victory over France in the recent Rugby World Cup and has also proved to be a thorn in France’s wine-producing side. As France wine exports dwindle, New World wines continue to grow.
It is interesting that today, French and New Zealander wine-makers battle for a major share of the market in the country that first started wine-making, China.
So as you are raising your glasses to celebrate New Year, I too will be enjoying a bottle or two of this beautiful wine.
Getting there
Emirates flies into Christchurch on a daily basis with a B777 aircraft. EK418 departs Dubai at 9.05 a.m. and arrives in Christchurch at 3.20 p.m. the following day. EK419 departs from Christchurch at 4.55 p.m. and arrives in Dubai at 6 a.m. the following day. Both flights have stopovers in Bangkok and Sydney. Emirates flies from Malta to Dubai daily via Larnaka, Cyprus.