We had planned a day discovering the many wineries of the Nelson region but, having spent longer than anticipated at the World of WearbleArt and Classic Car Museum (that’s another story), our day was considerably shortened. Heading north along the coast, we detoured for a closer look at Ruby Bay. The name was inspired by the small ‘rubies’ of red chert (also known as flint or jasper) found in the gravel of the Moutere region, though the colour wasn’t really obvious.

Further north, at Motueka, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at TOAD Hall Brewery & Café. I think I was too hungry by then to take photos but I do recall the scrumptious cider. Driving inland through picturesque countryside, we discovered Moutere Hills Vineyard. Grapes were first planted on the lower home block of the 12 hectare property in 1993, with further plantings on the north facing hill block in 1998. The vines benefit from the unique microclimate of the Sunrise Valley where it is often 2°C or more warmer than the Nelson city area.

The original winery and cellar door was destroyed by fire in 2006 and a new café and winery was built. The unassuming entrance to the cellar door is almost hidden within landscaped native gardens.

The interior is welcoming and offers a comfortable space to sit and sample at leisure. The wines are sold exclusively at the cellar door or online through their website.

Beyond the tasting room, the café received a complete upgrade in 2018 and Forsters Moutere Hills restaurant now offers superb dishes prepared by award winning chef (and owner), Alistair Forster.

The views from the restaurant, over vineyards and beyond, are spectacular.

Following the fire in 2006, the old hops barn was partially restored and in 2013 it was reborn as the Fox n Grapes bar, a popular watering hole for locals on a Friday night.