New Zealand Day 15: Blenheim vineyards

Woke up by 9 to be on the road by 930. Vineyards are open for tastings 10-430 and we were 1.5 hours away. Got packed up and would find brekke at a cafe along the way. Turns out along the way was a solid 45 minutes into our drive before we came across a cafe. Ordered a flat white coffee and a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. While waiting I reserved a room at the bing motel for 80$ and was granted access to it early so we could put our leftovers in it. We also touched base with the wine and bikes lady to pick us up at noon from our hotel. Got our food and. Back on the road. Made it to our motel-- complete with families living there and people under house arrest there. (But it was the cheapest option by like 30$) brought all our things in and within a couple minutes were picked up to go on our self guided biking tour. For 30$ we got bikes helmets locks map and round trip driver. Got to the bikes and after a few safety tips were on our way.

Some wineries charge for tasting-- so those we decided we would buy something from those as it makes the tasting free. Most New Zealand roads are two lane with no shoulder but drivers are pretty good about avoiding bikers. Anyway, on our way with four hours to return-- first stop Giesen; $5tasting fee so we decided to get lunch consisting of a cheese platter and two glasses of the Sauvignon blanc, what Marlborough region of New Zealand is known for. Then we went to Wairau River (free) and beat the rush to Nautilus Estate (free) and then up the road a bit to Forrest. This one was started by two doctors, one of which likes to experiment with non traditional wines. We ordered a 7 glass tasting tray for $7 and a cheese and paytay platter for 16$. Very good. Beat a tour group to there which was nice. Then bikes a bit to Gibson bridge, a ma and pa shop who grows and processes their own. They are know for their Pinot Gris which is not like Grigio. An older couple from north Caroline joined us during this tasting... she's a wino and her brother runs a vineyard in napa. ((Insert eye roll as she wouldn't stop talking and asking obscure questions)) after spending more than 45 minutes at that tasting we then had to start our trek home. Bikes about 5 miles to the next vineyard to find they closed at 4 (it was 403) so stopped into Allan Scott (3$ for tasting) so decided we would buy a bottle for dinner tonight from here. Ended up going with the Sauvignon blanc for $18 and then onto the Moa brewery which happens to be run by the son of the head of Allan Scott. Lol. Ordered two pints and tried finding a place to sit. We were waves over to a table with an older couple. Turns out she's from Minnesota and moved down to New Zealand to be with her partner. Has some good conversation until it was time to head bavk to our pick up site-- 13 minutes away. Pulled up right on time and a little sad we couldn't stay at the brewery longer.

Anyway we were the last to be dropped off heated up our leftover Indian food and enjoyed the evening. Turns out leftovers weren't as plentiful so we ordered green chicken curry from the busy restaurant next to us along with some potstickers. Ten we had to pack up our carryons to fit in the overhead compartments. Tomorrow: drive five hours to Christ church after seeing the Omaka aviation museum. Gonna try and catch a red faced emirates flight to Sydney to try and fly out Monday am to USA. We'll see. Hoping the non rev odds are ever in our favor.