It was a brilliant day weather-wise, to travel via train, then bus to Martinborough. The three vineyards that were organised for us to visit, thanks to Gayl’s marvellous efforts, were Nga Waka, Tiwaiwaka and Grava/Alana.
We were divided into three groups, with each group assigned to two of the three vineyards to taste at – for ease of the smaller cellar tasting rooms, and the exuberance of the people attending.
Each of the vineyards was fully welcoming and at the Grava tasting room, if you asked, you could taste the Alana version of the wine being tasted, which was great if you were tasting with a partner.
Grava/Alana
At Grava/Alana where Lunar are the new owners, the vineyards brands are kept very separate. Grava has its vines on the Lake Ferry Road which has gravelly/alluvial soil and Alana’s wines are made from vineyards further in around Martinborough. The wines tasted were:
- 2018 Sauvignon Blanc – 12 months in oak/12 months in barrel fermented
- 2020 Alana Pinot Gris
- 2016 Riesling [also tasted the 2016 Alana Riesling]
- 2017 Alana Pinot Noir
- 2018 Pinot Noir
- 2017 Late Harvest – Sauvignon Blanc harvested mid-May
Nga Waka
At Nga Waka – where the new American owners are stuck in Nevada – the wines tasted were:
- 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – planted in 1988/89, the first wines made in 1993
- 2019 Chardonnay – fermented in oak barrels for 10 months
- 2019 Rose – from Pinot Noir grapes
- 2018 Pinot Noir
Tiwaiwaka
At Tiwaiwaka the tastings were conducted under the branches of a lovely oak tree. The wines tasted were:
- 2020 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Blend – an excellent surprise to start with 2019 Semillon
- 2018 Rose
- 2020 Chardonnay
- 2018 Pinot Noir
- 2019 Cabbage Tree Pinot Noir – the second favoured tasting for group B
- 2019 Merlot
Orders were good for all vineyards and many have been delivered directly to members already, with the delivery of the smaller lots being arranged by Wayne and Murray in the coming days.
The bus driver, Craig, was brilliant and was always where he was needed.
Coney’s
Our tasting and lunch at Coney’s was entertaining, with one of the owners Tim Coney regaling us with his stories of the vineyard, his band and his love of opera (which is where the musical names for the wines come from), and life in general in the Wairarapa.
To accompany the wines each table as served with a small platter of food. The wines tasted during this session were:
- 2020 Rallentando Riesling
- 2018 Riesling
- 2020 Ragtime Riesling
- Piccolo Pinot Gris
- 2019 Foxy Lady Syrah Rose’
- 2016 Reserve Pizzicato Noir – a gold medal winner made to go with food
- 2015 Que Sera Syrah
- 2020 Ramblin’ Rose Pinot Noir
- 2020 Sticky Fingers Riesling Dessert – double gold award-winning wine
The lunch was well-received when served. The train trip to the Wairarapa and back was an added highlight for everyone, with many having never travelled that line before.
Thanks to Gayl and Wayne for your efforts in making this event such a memorable occasion.
Finally, if you are interested in viewing the various photos taken on this wine trip, they are on the club’s gallery page.
