Dunedin and onto Queenstown by Mark Sukhija

This morning, after checking out the Hotel Leviathan, we took a walk around Dunedin which was a pleasant enough city. Memorial services were taking place in the main Churches of the city to commerate Armistace Day and the fallen ANZAC troops from the 1914-1918 war.

During our walking tour, we visited the Anglican Cathedral and the Prebeyterian church (pictured) and the Dunedin Railway station. Dunedin, apparently, was built according to what the original residents thought Edinburgh would look like - even though none had actually been there.

The Otago and Southland regions region of New Zealand was, apparently, much settled by Scots and that's in evidence in Dunedin - where a statue of Robert Burns (pictured) takes pride of place in front the the Anglican Cathedral.

We left Dunedin this morning for Queenstown. We headed south and turned inland just after Milton. En route, we stopped off at The Packhouse (Coal Creek, RD1 Roxburgh, Central Otago) which I commend to others travelling this route for their damn fine Ice Cream which is made with real fruit right in front of you. And it's nice and creamy too.

As we approached Queenstown through the Central Otago area the number of wineries and vineyards visibly increased and many were clearly signed for visitors. We decided to take the turning off for Chard Farm where we were greated by the convivial Viv - a relative newcomer (but knowledgable) to Chard Farm. Viv talked us through the Chard Farm wines which included some very pleasant Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. I actually really enjoyed the wines from Chard Farm especially the Finla Mor and The Viper - both Pinot Noirs. This was surprising as I'm not really a white wine drinker and generally prefer heavier red grapes such as Syrah/Shiraz or Tempranillo. However, I remain unimpressed by Gewurztaminer - which to my mind remains an abberation of a grape worth of feeding to the pigs. The Finla Mor, in spite of it's youth, was simply marvelous. One of the best, if the best Pinot Noir, I've had in years with a smooth texture, wonderful bouquet and all rounded-off with a fantastic silky smooth finish. It left me wanting more so much, I bought some on the spot. Simply f**cking fantastic. Personally, I really enjoyed the the Viper Pinot Noir 2006 which is full of potential with a marvelous body and a fine bouquet and lovely finish. I agree with our host in that it does need some years in the cellar to reach maturity and the smoothness that was immeaditely apparent in the Finla Mor. Sadly, The Tiger was not available for tasting but I hope to get my hands on some soon on the basis of this performance. I have no hesitation in recommending Chard Farm wines, especially the two I mentioned, and a visit to their winery in order to sample their full range.

Related Posts

Queenstown - sunset over Lake Wakatipu A couple enjoying the sunset over lake Wakatipu at Queenstown
Queenstown - Earnslaw cruising on Lake Wakatipu The Earnslaw cruising on Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown in Central Otago
Fiordland - Flight over Milford Sound Video of the flight over and landing in the Milford Sounds in Fiordland on the South Island of New Zealand
Fiordland - Mouth of Milford Sound Mouth of Milford Sound seen from the cockpit on a scenic flight
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New Zealand's South Island - recommended hotels and motels Recommended hotels and motels New Zealand's South Island
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Map

Further reading

New Zealand's South Island - recommended hotels and motels - Recommended hotels and motels New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand - 9 great pubs and bars - 9 of the best pubs and bars in and around New Zealand

Oamaru and the Otago Peninsula - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Oamaru - a brief history of Hotel Brydone - A short history of the Hotel Brydone in Oamaru

Oamaru - 16 things not to miss - 16 things not to miss in the South Island city of Oamaru in New Zealand

Trip to see the Little Blue Penguins - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

New Zealand - places not to miss - Recommended places to visit in and around New Zealand

Wine of the Central Otago region - Commentary and notes on wine from the Central Otago region of the south island of New Zealand

Wine tour in Central Otago - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Queenstown - Earnslaw cruising on Lake Wakatipu - The Earnslaw cruising on Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown in Central Otago

Central Otago Winegrowers Association - Official website of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association

Queenstown - Official website of Destination Queenstown

About Mark Sukhija

Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook