By: Cristina
Two short weeks ago, we drove up to our second WWOOFing arrangement, following a stunning visit to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers (the latter was obscured by rainclouds, but the drive was exquisite), and an overnight on the shores of equally stunning Lake Wanaka. As we made our way south from Takaka to the small town of Alexandra in Central Otago, New Zealand's scenery became more and more inspirational, as if to foreshadow the coming weeks.
Two short weeks ago, we drove up to our second WWOOFing arrangement, following a stunning visit to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers (the latter was obscured by rainclouds, but the drive was exquisite), and an overnight on the shores of equally stunning Lake Wanaka. As we made our way south from Takaka to the small town of Alexandra in Central Otago, New Zealand's scenery became more and more inspirational, as if to foreshadow the coming weeks.
Greyridge Vineyard was our most recent home away from home, and host of so much more than a work-exchange. Greyridge grows pinot noir grapes and was recently taken over by the lovely Sue and Paul, who welcomed me, Ryan and another WOOFer named Jonathan into their home and livelihood. From the moment we arrived, we were put to work in the vineyard and around the yard, clipping under-ripe grapes, thinning vines, pulling weeds and much more in preparation for harvest! When we weren't tending the vines or tilling the earth, we were lending a hand with building social media presence and making chutney! Yup, this small vineyard is ripe with plum and apple trees too prolific for their own good; Sue and I spent one rainy day making plum-and-date, apple-and-tomato, and cauliflower-and-pineapple chutney. Yum.
Our hard work was rewarded with delicious homemade scones and savoury dinners, often eaten on the patio overlooking acres of perfectly manicured vines, and accompanied by flavourful pinot noir, pinot rose, or the more rare, blanc de noir. Double yum. Needless to say, days at the vineyard were busy but fulfilling - I think my mom was right when she said that my "calling" involved vines. How did she know?
Our hard work was rewarded with delicious homemade scones and savoury dinners, often eaten on the patio overlooking acres of perfectly manicured vines, and accompanied by flavourful pinot noir, pinot rose, or the more rare, blanc de noir. Double yum. Needless to say, days at the vineyard were busy but fulfilling - I think my mom was right when she said that my "calling" involved vines. How did she know?
As I mentioned, we were here for two weeks, which meant that we had a weekend to spare. We took full advantage of the mountain beauty found in Central Otago and headed for world-renowned, alpine town of Queenstown, tucked up in the Remarkables and strewn along Lake Wakatipu. We headed out to the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, for an afternoon hike, camped along the shores of Moke Lake, and spent a lazy Sunday in Queenstown walking off a delectably indulgent brunch. I can see why so many people write home about this special region - it is unlike anywhere I have ever been with scenery so beautiful it literally robbed me of words and made my eyes tear up instead. Pure. Earth. Magic.
Our time at Greyridge Vineyard has gone by in a flash. We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about daily life in New Zealand, and we most definitely have a deeper appreciation for the labor and love that goes into wine. We learned so much! Next we're off on a ten day tour of the south of the South Island, and a four-day hike in Milford Sound. Check back soon for updates!