this is what summer is for... (pt. II)
Today we decided to go for a little wander, so we thought a trip up to one of the wineries for lunch might be nice.
And it was.
The first two we stopped at, although empty, assured us that they were “completely booked out”. What muppets (Carrick and Lazy Dog)! They could have fed us and we’d have been off before their other guests arrived (mostly).
Where we ended up was far superior anyway: who can argue with that view? Mt Difficulty sits up a ridge looking north-east up the Clutha Valley. They have a wide outdoor terrace (covered with a sail luckily) for eating, and it was just inside the building from there we sat, looking out at the view and supping our very nice dry riesling (which will be absolutely stunning with a couple years age on it). The girls had some apricot nectar (also local ); while the food was pretty fine too. We’d go there again in a flash.
Only problem: their wines are now so popular that they are restricting purchases to three bottles each. So I couldn’t take a dozen riesling home with me. (My parents buy the whole range by the caseload off the mailing list, so I may have to slipstream in there for the upcoming vintage.)
And a note on that photo: although the sky looks a bit threatening, in fact there was a light nor’wester blowing (like a Santa Ana or Föhn; a warm wind off the mountains) and 26°C… so it was exceedingly pleasant for al fresco dining.
ben.run
30 December 2005, 23:28 #
That would be a nice state to have your buisness in, where you have to limit what people can buy!
Reshma
31 December 2005, 11:10 #
That sky looks freakishly low! As if it’s going to fall down on you!
I have yet to visit a winery.
Alan
31 December 2005, 17:07 #
Ben: I’m sure they’re ramping up production as we speak.
Reshma: it’s a common summer sky in the south. But yes, it’s got a threatening look, hasn’t it.