Adventures in New Zealand - Central Otago

Let the education begin! Field trips are so much more fun when you are getting an EMBA! :)

Our first day of wine visits took us to Central Otago. Central Otago is the southern most wine producing region in the world specializing in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. The area was first planted in the late 70's but really took of in the 90's. (See, I really am learning something on this trip!)

Our first visit was to Felton Road Winery. The owner, Nigel, took us around to show us his Bio-Dynamic (BD) winery. He explained that BD for him wasn't about moon cycles, magic potions and fairies dancing in the vineyard. For him, it was more about having a "closed ranch." Being completely sustainable and producing everything they needed within their own area and not relaying on chemicals and synthetics. It must be working because his wines were amazing!

Can you see the snow capped mountain in the background?

Sadly, Gab was MIA for our group photo.

Our next stop was for lunch at Carrick Vineyards.  Today was their first day of harvest so we weren't able to take a full vineyard tour but we did talk to the winemaker for a few minutes.  This trip was interesting to me because the Hospitality Manager showed us around.  Finally, one of my "people" to talk to!

Not a bad view from the tasting room!  I suggested they put in croquet courts.  :)

Lunch spread.  They make everything onsite or source it from within the town.

Yeah!  We found Gab!

The entire group.

Our last stop for the day was Burn Cottage.  The hit of the visit were the baby cattle.  They were so fluffy and cute none of us wanted to pay attention to winemaker! 

See what I mean, they are SO CUTE!

OK, time to get back to "education"