Historically Canterbury
was one of the first regions to attempt wine growing.
In 1840 French immigrants planted vineyards in
Akaroa
Peninsula. Nowadays there are no fewer than 50
vineyards and wineries in the Christchurch
and Canterbury region, from individually or family
owned estates to the vineyards of major national
wine producers such as Montana. Most of the industry
is centred around Christchurch and the North Canterbury
region where the growing conditions are more favourable.
Warm dry north westerlies are frequent visitors
to the Canterbury plains, bringing with them ideal
growing conditions, diminishing the incidence
of pests and diseases that attack the vines and
the fruit. Combine this with ranges of hills which
shelter the vineyards from the worst drying out
effects of the winds and a free draining chalky
loam soil, and the legacy is a bounteous array
of good quality wines, from Chardonnays, Sauvignon
Blancs, and Rieslings through to Pinot Noirs,
Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. The slightly
cooler Canterbury climate also means that some
grape varieties have longer to ripen and thus
are able to build and slowly concentrate the flavours.
Production area 2004: 716 hectares (includes
Waipara)
Principal Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling,
Sauvignon Blanc
wineries
Pegasus Bay Winery & Restaurant - Our intention is to give diners a total food and wine experience. We have an emphasis on freshness and simplicity, using predominantly locally grown ingredients. The menu is created around our wine list, with each dish matched with a suggested wine. We are open for wine tastings and sales from 10:30am to 5:00pm 7 days. The restaurant is open from 12 noon to 4pm seven days. Bookings recommended.
OPIHI VINEYARD CAFE & CELLAR DOOR SALES - Nestled in the South Canterbury countryside, with views to the mountains, is Historic Clifton Cottage, home to the Opihi Vineyard Cafe and Cellar Door. Visitors to the café enjoy a range of delicious and interesting dishes to tempt the most discerning palate. Opihi Vineyard Cafe is located in South Canterbury, New Zealand. Traveling time approximately 25 minutes from Timaru, Fairlie, Geraldine and Temuka.
Discovery Travel - Our Waipara Tour will take you to four award-winning wineries. You will be able to view the vineyards and, if you wish, buy some wine. On our wine trail we are usually able to show you where the wine is made and you are often able to meet the winemakers.
The Old Post Office Restaurant - Open 7 days for evening meals. Fine New Zealand Cuisine, with award winning Lamb & Beef dishes served in historic surroundings. Pleasant, Warm and friendly atmosphere. Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs. Ph 315 7461
Cafe W - Warners Historic Hotel - Casual fine dining – combine casual dining with white tablecloth elegance for breakfast, lunch and dinner. International Cuisine. Cafe W is open to everyone for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with an extensive menu to suit all tastes, plus an abundant wine and beer selection to compliment any meal. High Tea, with all the glitz of the ritz, served in Café W Mon – Fri 12 – 4 pm . Reservations preferred.
Grasmere Lodge - Luxury Accommodation - Grasmere Lodge — High Country Retreat — where luxury and natural splendour come together in the heart of the Southern Alps, to form what one international guest described as “a whole other world of peacefulness & serenity.”
Oaks Smartstay Apartments on Cashel - Oaks Smartstay Apartments on Cashel puts you comfortably at the centre of Christchurch. 171 brand new apartments are fully equipped with modern facilities. These brand new apartments are just a couple of minutes from restaurants, cafes, boutiques, hot entertainment spots and excellent public transport and provide a perfect base from which to explore.
