12.03.2018 - Plate #031 A hearty meal after all the wine tastings

After all the wine tastings today, I needed something hearty and filling for dinner.

Since I was just returning from a trip to Kidnapper Bay and had to pass through Havelock North to get to Hastings, I decided to have dinner at Rose & Shamrock Village Inn, a pub (https://goo.gl/maps/TdsK79qok4R2).

A good steak and two pints of craft beer. What more could a man want?

Today's program included 5 wine tastings, a visit (walking would be too tiring) to Te Mata Peak, which offers a stunning view of Hawke's Bay, and Kidnapper Bay as a "romantic ending" of the day. The latter is known for its high cliffs, which look very impressive from the water.

Te Mata (https://goo.gl/maps/44cTG9T7Qfs)

As I mentioned before, most of the tips for my day's program came from Bronwyn. Since the area is very extensive, I had to rely on the car again.

The wineries here in Hawke Bay are very different from those in Marlborough, Nelson, or Martinborough.

Very stylish and architectural masterpieces. Especially Craggy Range and Elephant Hill are amazing in terms of design.

The audience is also accordingly, which made the wine tastings uncomfortable at times, as I didn't choose the seated tasting for $40 and only wanted the simple tasting.

It was a mistake because the really good ones were only available with personal consultation. It's a whole different level.

Almost all wineries, especially the design temples, also have gourmet restaurants where you can enjoy delicious lunches.

Te Mata Estate Winery (https://goo.gl/maps/xXdE7CZ6L2T2)

Black Barn Vineyards (https://goo.gl/maps/PrRzwvzJLzG2)

If you're traveling with your Tesla, you'll find a TESLA charging station here :-)

Craggy Range Vineyards (https://goo.gl/maps/HuZ64oqe2fH2)

Elephant Hill Wine Estate (https://goo.gl/maps/qCjSTEJoCRM2)

Clearview Estate (https://goo.gl/maps/qgi7whKASNB2 ) My favorite for today!

Very nice conversations. They specialize in Chardonnay.

And something special for today. I bought my first souvenir. A super soft sheepskin for my sweetheart. That wasn't easy. I thought there would be a shop or a farm on every corner where I could buy it. Wrong! I had to make a detour to Nelson. There is a specialty shop in the industrial area.