We had a nice meal in the Hans Herzog Bistro last night, our host had given us a lift there and we got a taxi back - Driving with Miss Daisy, except she was called Dawn. Slept well, there was rain in the night and we woke up to an overcast day, we can just about see the mountains in the background shrouded in cloud and mist. Its very quiet here, just a bit of birdsong interrupted by the bird scarers going off now and again to try and keep the birds away from the grapes. Harvest is due any time now, they started in Hawkes Bay last week, so its a crucial time for all the wineries, it will make or break their year. We passed a Quilt Barn on the way to the restaurant last night, there just had to be one didn't there.

So after breakfast we drove into Blenheim and had a walk around, bought some pies for lunch. It was raining but most of the locals were still in shorts and t-shirts which made tourists in coats and holding umbrellas easy to spot. Goods in the shops are generally more expensive than in the UK, the Specsavers 2 for 1 offer here works out at about £100 compared to £65 in the UK. In the supermarkets goods also work out more expensive. We are in grape growing area but the supermarket sells grapes from Chile, other soft fruits are local but kiwi fruits come from China, again more expensive than in the UK.

We then drove to the before mentioned Quilt Barn, unfortunately we were there the same time as several coaches, a cruise ship had docked in Picton overnight and disgorged its passengers first thing this morning. Fiona did buy some material but at twice the price of fabric in the UK. We then drove back to eat our pies as we had booked another wine tasting tour for the afternoon.

We got picked up at 13.30 and driven to the Allen Scott winery, there were 3 other couples with us but they had been on the full day tour and were just finishing lunch. We had a tasting there which was very good. We then went to Geissen, Huia and Nautilus and then to a chocolate factory and then we were dropped off back at our accomodation. A lovely way to spend the afternoon.

We had originally booked to go out again in the evening but had in the end decided to eat in and had bought some salads and chicken whilst out in the morning, we also bought a bottle in Nautilus (available in Majestic). However when I told our host we had cancelled the restaurant she made up a cheese platter for me and brought out a bottle of the Dog Point SB.

We had wanted to go to Dog Point Winery but its closed at the weekends, Dog Point was started by 2 people who helped set up Cloudy Bay (now owned by Louis Vitton), our accomodation is owned by one of the daughters.