This morning we were picked up and taken a few miles down the road where we were kitted out with bikes and helmets. Our guide was called Rachel and we were off to visit 3 wineries. The cycling was of no consequence as the distances were short and the ground flat. Our first stop after a ride of about 1.5k was at Framingham where they had a beautiful rose garden. We sampled 5 of their wines starting with Sauvignon Blanc, which is the wine this area is famous for. Ice cold it's absolutely fantastic. We have been tasting Pinot Gris which is not as citrusy but equally delicious. Our next stop was at a smaller family concern called Bladen. The guy behind the bar knew just how to describe his flavours, he gave us a Pinot Rose which he described as Strawberry and raspberry, notes of watermelon peach and fresh cream. OMG it was delicious, and although we have no room in our luggage for wine, we bought a bottle. Obviously we will have to drink it before we return.
Leaving here with their dog lolloping after us, we had to return to take him back. No more tasting there. Our last stop included lunch. This was called Giesen and by far the biggest producer we visited. We tasted and chose which we wanted to accompany our lunch.
We cycled back to base and there happened to be a Quilt shop there. Our driver kindly let me go in and I bought my second piece of fabric for my kiwi quilt.
There are so many producers in such a concentrated area that we could spend a week tasting and still not complete them all. We saw Cloudy Bay and Brancott Estate but were quite happy with the ones Rachel had chosen for us.

As today was overcast, but still warm no swimming pool for us, instead we went for a walk by a river which was not very wide but had a great walk/cycle track beside it.
We stopped in a supermarket on the way back for supplies to get us over the mountains tomorrow.
6-7hrs drive as we go towards Christchurch. Flipping earthquake,it should only take 3 hours down the coast road.