Wellington Region - New Zealand - page 687

Recommended Wineries
Ata Rangi ( www.atarangi.co.nz ; 14 Puruatanga Rd; 1-3pm Mon-Fri, noon-4pm Sat & Sun)
One of the region's pioneering winemakers. Great drops across the board and cute
cellar door.
Coney ( 03-306 8345; www.coneywines.co.nz ; Dry River Rd; 11am-4pm Fri-Sun)
Fingers crossed that your tasting host will be the inimitable Tim Coney, an affable
character who makes a mighty syrah and may sing at random. Home to the excel-
lent Trio Cafe (mains $23-26) too; bookings recommended.
Haythornthwaite ( www.ht3wines.co.nz ; 45 Omarere Rd; 1-5pm) Sustainable, hands-
on winemaking producing complex drops including cherrylike pinot noir and gor-
geous gewürztraminer.
Margrain ( www.margrainvineyard.co.nz ; cnr Ponatahi & Huangarua Rds; 11am-5pm Fri-
Sun) High-quailty wines across a wide range can be tasted at this character-filled
cellar door, with a casual on-site cafe overlooking the vines.
Palliser ( www.palliser.co.nz ; Kitchener St; 10.30am-4pm) Wines so good, even the
Queen has some stashed away in her cellar. Slick outfit.
Poppies ( www.poppiesmartinborough.co.nz ; 91 Puruatanga Rd; 11am-4pm) Delectable
handcrafted wines served by the label's passionate winemaking and viticulturalist
duo. Savour their wines alongside a well-matched platter at the stylishly simple
cellar door.
Schubert ( www.schubert.co.nz ; 57 Cambridge Rd; 11am-3pm) German imports who
searched for and found the best spot in the world to produce their favourite wine:
pinot noir. Compact cellar door large on personality with a fine range of wines in-
cluding the unusual Tribianco, a blend of three white wine varieties.

Bicycle Rental
Bicycles are comfortable cruisers with saddle bags for your booty. Suffice to say,
you ought to pay greater attention to your technique as the day wears on.
Christina Estate Vineyard ( 06-306 8920; [e-mail]; 28 Puruatanga
Rd; full day bicycle/tandem $25/50; 8.30am-6pm)
Green Jersey Cycle Tour Company ( 021 074 6640; www.greenjersey.co.nz ; 3hr

guided tour incl lunch $110)
March Hare (

03-306 5010; www.march-hare.co.nz ; 18 Kitchener St; full-day bike hire incl

picnic lunch $65)