Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 14-Cloudy Bay winery, Marlborough 4/24/2024

We are now at Cloudy bay Winery one of the most prestigious winery located at the heart of Marlborough. This area is celebrated globally for its exceptional wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Cloudy Bay has made a name for itself as a producer of high-quality wines and has a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

Founded in 1985 by Australian winemaker David Hohnen, Cloudy Bay was one of the first vineyards planted in Marlborough, in what was then virgin wine country. Named after the coastal inlet first charted by James Cook in 1770, the winery quickly made international waves. Its inaugural Sauvignon Blanc garnered praise from wine critics like Oz Clarke“, arguably the best in the world and helping to put New Zealand on the white-wine map.

 In 2003, Hohnen sold Cloudy Bay to Veuve Clicquot, a brand under the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) luxury portfolio. True to LVMH’s style, Cloudy Bay retained its identity and quality. Since then, it’s benefited from global distribution and investment while staying committed to premium, terroir-driven wine.

The entrance of the winery and one of the first things you’ll notice is the large wine barrel near the driveway, proudly bearing the “Cloudy Bay” name. It’s a classic photo spot and acts almost like a quiet gatekeeper, welcoming you into the vineyard’s world.

Cloudy bay logo.

Walk way leading to the main courtyard.

Tasting room is a low profile structure with clean lines, glass walls, and timber finishes. Its architectural style reflects a balance between luxury and nature, contemporary yet rooted in the land.

We are now in the Patio and deck area offering open-air seating with panoramic views of the vineyard and the mountains in the distance.

It was a perfect day to have lunch in open air.

The menu

They are famous for their Chardonnay but I simply prefer red wine.

Cheers!

This is the view of part of the property from the deck area.

bread with butter.

I ordered the Ora King Salmon tartare, Thai chili, Avocado, cucumber & Nam Jim (classic Thai dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chilies', and cilantro).

Gorgeous presentation.  The dish hit the spot and has lots of umami.

Hoa selected the Beef Tartare, truffle, celery, soy cured egg yolk, & sour dough toast.

Another beautiful presentation.

I did asked the chef why the tartare is not red and he said it is because it is mixed with soy sauce and also so it does not look raw (some people are afraid of eating raw meat).

Crunchy French fries-The best!

Cheers to a wonderful place to have lunch!

I am savoring every bite of my dish.

Ending the meal with an excellent Affogato (espresso poured over gelato).

After lunch we decided to check out the lawn & garden.

They have large big comfy lounge chairs for people to relax.

They also have oversized beanbags in deep shades of grey.

These oversized beanbags are great to sit around or laying around with a glass in wine.

They lawn is really amazing and huge.

There are lots of mature trees giving lots of shades.

We are now in front of the main entrance with an open view of endless vineyards stretching our across the Wairau Valley.

The vineyards are neatly planted in long, symmetrical rows, running straight out from the property toward the horizon.

These vines are primarily Sauvignon Blanc, the varietal that put Cloudy Bay and Marlborough on the global wine map.

Fall is here as you can see the deep red leaves on the maple tree.

Rows upon rows of grape trees.

In the distance is the Richmond Ranges rising gently under a beautiful blue sky.

This area is close to the parking lot.  When you pull into Cloudy Bay Winery there is a long entry road and then vineyard on the side.

After the tree-lined stretch, the road opens up to reveal expansive vineyards on either side, rows upon rows of neatly pruned vines.

Wide open vineyards.

Cloudy Bay’s Sauvignon Blanc production is thriving in the stony soils of the Wairau Valley.

These trees offer a sense of grandeur and calm.

View of the vineyards and mountains from the parking lot.

We are now leaving the property.

NEXT...  Blenheim