A Few Hours At James Murdoch Winery

 For those of you who have never been to a vineyard, it is time you took the time to visit.  We bought a great value voucher from Grabone - another must to join, they put up discounted experiences, clothing, food and wine everyday. I buy experiences or food vouchers most weeks. So we drove the mini cooper down to Martinborough. Dave has had work redone on the head - don't ask me I have no idea, just know it is too expensive - and it needs 500km on the clock before it is; I don't know tightened or something. So a good reason to take it for a drive. Arrived at James Murdoch Estate on Dry River Road and straight into a glass of wine. Then with a winemaker out to the vines for a bit of explanation on soil, climate etc. Found the talk interesting, particularly on which canes to  keep in case I decide to put the odd vine in - would be for eating grapes not wine.  Then into the vat room for the talk on crushing etc and another wine to taste.

After the vat room we were then taken to the cave and of course another glass of wine, a bit of an explanation about temperatures, barrels, another glass of wine, this time pinot noir.  The later is my favourite wine, I am a definite pinot fan, gris or noir. After five seasons the barrels that cost $600 each are disposed of. I will have to try and buy one between Dec and March next year. Will make a gorgeous barrel for daffodils, Dave thought as garden ornament. We have a barrel platter that a friend gave us, he makes them for sale in a wine shop in Martinborough - he borrowed some grinding gear and gave us a platter as a thank you.

And while the talks comes to a conclusion we get our final tasting - shouldn't say glass of wine as of course they were tastings, more generous than many I have had at other vineyards

So after the tour our voucher included a platter for two with glass of wine - nice generous glass of wine of our choice. It is a really nice restaurant at the vineyard called Bloom. It seems it is popular for weddings.  Not over priced, the menu is varied with pork belly, fish, lamb shank; just my sort of food.

The platter for once had enough bread on the plate for you to eat all the food. I hate it when I want to spread pate and the bread has all gone.

 When we got home we both went straight to bed for 40 winks, and actually feel sound asleep. 
Not known for stamina unfortunately.  We have been lucky to be the recipient of a complimentary three course lunch at Tirohanga Vineyard celebrating 25 years since the first plantings in September. Will look forward to another vineyard experience.