Blue Skies and Cloudy Bay

Tuesday 7 January

Tuesday was back to work day with Abby (who is acronymically a TWAT) so we left her and Jeremy tapping away on their laptops and headed into town to do some chores. Louis swam and bought cycle bits and I did the laundry for all of us (reader, we are mucky people… there was a lot of laundry!)

Back at the vineyard after the working day was over, we hopped on the bikes and set off to Cloudy Bay. This was a stunningly beautiful winery with cool architecture and lovely gardens.

The wine tasting was guided by a lovely Italian guy who chatted with Abby & Jez about their visit to Northern Italy in 2023. The tastings included two bubblies - the classic Cloudy Bay Pelorus and also a sparkling rose - a sauvignon blanc and this Founders' Cellar blend - which came in a beautifully decorated bottle.

Looking around the winery, it was fascinating seeing "behind the scenes" - they have three different types of barrel for aging the wine including the classic oak for chardonnays, a bulbous concrete barrel and the funky space age aluminium barrel.

Outside there was a lovely restaurant Jack's Raw Bar and the garden beyond was scattered with low tables, bean bags and egg swings - it was so casual and elegant at the same time.

Heading off with not one bottle in the bike panier, Jez was very taken with the Cloudy Bay Land Rover!

Our next stop was something of a detour to "Harvest" - a posh restaurant set in an old monastery… just out of curiosity. Ben at the Gin Shack had recommended it, and while we had no plans to eat there, I was keen to visit. The glamorous old building was also home to a hotel - which was clearly rather special as they stored umbrellas in the carpark so guests could borrow one if they arrived in the rain!

Then home to cook pork belly on the BBQ then complete season 1 of Ted Lasso under the stars 🌟