Yeshiree it was a great day here in the Marl-arl-arlborough
shounds. We went to P-hic-ton, Blenhemememem, P-hic-ton - did I say that already?
Lemme schplain:
It was a beautiful calm start as we entered the labyrinthine
islands and peninsulas of Marlborough Sounds. The sun was warm as our ship backed
into a tiny narrow inlet while the inter-island ferries passed by on their way from
Picton to Wellington. A bit of a wait for a shuttle bus into town. And then things
got interesting.
When we finally alighted by the Picton information centre it
was easy to spot the car we’d arranged in advance to take us wine tasting in the
Wairau valley, the famed Marlborough region of South Island. For one thing, the
hood was up and a posse of old guys were hovering around drooling. For another
thing, it was a pale yellow 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Dave cavalierly steered the old boys away as he greeted us
and we draped ourselves decorously in the capacious back seat, envied by every
person with a y chromosome over the age of 70. We hit the road and let Dave
choose wineries based on our preference for small, interesting establishments with
dry, quality product. Rock Ferry delivered. As did Lawson’s Dry Hills. As did
Bladen. Getting a little squiffy by this time, we asked for something a little
more solid and had a delicious small plate of three local cheeses with another
glass of wine, at Allan Scott.
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| Dave of Highlight Tours (he's also got a '67 convertible Mustang and a VW Kombi) |
Then to Whitehaven which serves coffee as well as wine. Good
choice Dave. Time for one more winery: Saint Clair. Then to Makana chocolates
and back to our shuttle bus and the bevy of aged car enthusiasts who couldn’t
wait for us to exit the car so they could take photos of the Bel Air’s interior.
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| Beazy with a rare empty glass |
A bit of shalad, a bit of…. whassat? Oh yeah….
cho-hic-olate. Great day I tell ya. I may not remember it tomorrow but it wash
grrr-eat! 
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