If you're feeling like you need some quick time out from the windy city, Martinborough winery Poppies offers a tranquil afternoon escape complete with views straight out of Europe, and all the intimacy of a friend's house you've just popped to for lunch.
The cellar door and restaurant is just an hour and a half out of Wellington, and on arrival, owners Poppy and Shane will be there to help you sample the reds and whites, tell you about their wine journey and regale you with stories about the vines.
Relaxed and carefree, this stop has become a staple on the Martinborough wine trails. Breeze in for a tasting — only $10 — and earmark your favourite drops to have with lunch; always a relaxed platter that doesn't adhere to any particular menu rules.
Best shared between two, always seasonal and usually thrown together by Poppy herself, you might end up snacking on crispy salted pork belly with pickled veg, smoked salmon, balsamic garlic mushrooms, beetroot hummus, artisanal breads and cheese, and there's always the option of a few surprises with some sweet treats afterwards.
While you sip and nibble, take in stunning views of the vines and rolling hills in the background, and leave feeling refreshed, revived, and probably clinking with a few bottles you picked up on the way.
