On December 13, 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight the West Coast of New Zealand. Five days later he anchored off the coast at Taitapu Bay, now known as Golden Bay, just north of Nelson. Tasman never set foot on land, so he never discovered the marvellous delights that this part of New Zealand has to offer. Among the most delectable are the wines of this region, the most northerly in the South Island, and one New Zealand‘s bestkept vinous secrets.
German immigrants established winemaking as early as the mid1840s, and other individuals made several attempts right up until the start of the Second World War. Winemaking began again in the1970s, and today about 30 vineyards are scattered across Nelson‘s beautiful hills, valleys and plains.
Protected by mountains, Nelson is in a rain shadow and enjoys a warm, sunny climate. Its proximity to the ocean provides excellent growing conditions for a multitude of crops, including grapes.
The predominately boutique wineries are located mainly in the Waimea Plains and the Upper Moutere Valley, but vineyards are now spreading further out toward Motueka and Golden Bay. The soils and mesoclimates in the subregions vary considerably to provide a diverse range of wine styles, but the owneroperators focus on quality rather quantity.
Unlike its big brother, Marlborough, across the other side of the South Island, Nelson has not built its reputation on a particular style of wine, be it Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir or Riesling.
The wines on offer include rich, complex and elegant Chardonnay, fresh Sauvignon Blanc, somewhat similar to those of Marlborough, perfumed Gewurztraminer, classy Riesling and increasingly seductive Pinot Noir.
Nelson‘s benign climate has attracted many lifestylers, among them a large community of artists who work in virtually every medium, including pottery, ceramics, sculpture, painting, glass and textiles. The region also has a wonderful supply of gourmet delights sunripened fruits, berries, olives, honey and a bounty of shellfish and seafood ¨C and dozens of roadside and market stalls offer preserves and all manner of special food.
Nelson city boasts a host of cafes, restaurants, interesting shops and galleries, and regularly hosts internationally renowned performing arts events and festivals.
The wider Nelson/Tasman region has a large range of recreational resources, including three national parks within 90 minutes of each other. These are compelling reasons why Nelson should be on any list of destinations.
