Good people, good music, and good wine!!!
We first visited McArthur Ridge http://mcarthurridgewines.co.nz/. Alistair McKenzie offered us much to learn about more of the business side of things. They turned rabbit fields into vineyards by way of lifestyle plots. The large property was sold in 10-20 acre plots, with vineyard development taking over the majority of each plot leaving enough area to build a house. When each piece of property is sold to a lifestyle plot owner, an 80 year contract on the land is signed by the owner and the vineyard company. Basically, many private homes spaced far apart on a large vineyard managed all by the same vineyard company. It was surprising to all of us when they didn’t seem too concerned about the golf course moving in next door that will be combined with this development plan.
Next was Hinton’s Pack House http://www.hinton.co.nz/ in Alexandra. Leighton and the Lott girls felt at home and were able to compare and learn from Nigel. Something that really caught my eye was the bins that he created and was using. The side of the bin lifted like a cat door with a padded latch on the inside for a gentle release of the fruit on to the graders. We then did a quick visit with his son Howie, who has a vineyard in addition to his orchards. His family seems to have many of the same problems we do back in the states…it left us with much to talk about. He agreed to meet up with us at the BBQ that night.
The amazing bins...
Visiting with Howie Hinton in the Orchard
We met Wayne, Andrea, and Nicholas (who is only 10 minutes older than Chesley) McIntosh for a spectacular lunch at the Packing Shed, which was an old "pack house" that had been renovated into a gallery and restaurant. The people were so kind here that they even brought me a little dessert after the meal. We then toured Wayne’s family’s fabulous orchards and pack house. Honestly, I want to live there. The cherries he grew were huge!! Our cherries would only be poor to mediocre by his sizing standards. During the winter season, he has livestock "mow" his orchards.
Then it was on to a BBQ, NZ style, at Wayne’s parents’ home. We enjoyed "soft" sausages, burgers with eggs, chicken on a stick and Hinton’s wine. It was fabulous company. We were also able to enjoy some tunes provided by two Argentinean workers and of course, Ben Wenk. We all joined in the singing fun on the hour-long car ride to Queenstown. Matt even had a little rap for us. Thanks for the best birthday ever!!! (PS – I got to celebrate for two days.)
Hannah Lott
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