This is my first visit to Gisborne on the East Coast of the North Island and I found the CBD depressing. But to be fair, it was raining at the time. Next day when the sun came out, I discovered that Gisborne’s surrounding countryside offers the most beautiful scenic views.
Visiting the Millton Boutique vineyard and winery was a special experience for me and for wine lovers, definitely a must-do experience. You won’t find amazing stylish rustic interiors in the tasting room. It’s just rustic. But you won’t be jostling for space either. The wines are organic and mouth-wateringly delicious.
Rebecca, Millton’s representative in the tasting room, obviously thinks a lot of her boss, Winemaker, James Millton, who belongs to the ‘Family of Twelve’. This is a prestigious and tightly bound group committed solely to perfecting their craft. Rebecca was thrilled when I fell in love with the Chenin Blanc. Think James would be pleased, it’s his fav.
This is the kind of boutique experience that we’re always on the lookout for. We love the bio-diversity and organic philosophy that goes into vineyards like this. Here’s Michael’s being driven crazy by nature.
On the way out Rebecca invited us to meet one of Millton’s hand-reared calves. Very friendly chap but hardly a calf!
Wine-tasting always makes me tired and before you ask, yes, I do use the spittoon. I reluctantly agreed to take a walk down Gisborne’s beach. Wow, I have never seen a beach quite like this one. It’s a wild multi-layered surf where the noise of crashing waves is terrific and fabulous – a Surfer’s paradise.
Michael loves quiet beach moments so we’ll just linger for a while.
Happy travelling.
