Also at the Vines Village, check out the recently arrived Cheese and Cheers venue. This charming operator showcases an extensive range of New Zealand craft whiskies, and international brands, paired with three matching cheeses and bread. Order up a whisky tasting flight, with assorted cheeses. Cheers!
Just off Rapaura Road, on Jackson Road, pay a visit to the leafy, lawned surrounds of Moa Brewery. Open Thursday through to Sunday, it’s a wonderful venue and the food trucks will accentuate the ambience over summer. 30 years old this year, Moa was founded by Josh Scott, son of legendary winemaker Allan Scott. Last year, Moa Brewery Company was acquired by the effervescent and enterprising Stephen Smith, who has embarked on a new chapter of Moa being a family-owned Kiwi independent. What I particularly like about their range is that they have kept their products affordable, accessible and sessionable, while also broadening their repertoire.
A stellar example of that is their Apple & Rhubarb Cider. Exuding a seductive red hue, the delicate tart flavour of this crisp cider sings happy summer days. It’s like the cider equivalent of a glass of rosé. Hazy IPA’s are all the rage in New Zealand and Moa’s sessionable hazy, at 4.9% alcohol, is the easy-drinking Motueka Hazy IPA. Motueka and Wai-Iti hops deliver citrus, apricot and peach characters. Also worth a try is their Milk Chocolate Stout which is brewed in collaboration with Lewis Road Creamery. The dessert beer! And don’t miss their fabulous ginger beer, Ginger Bomb. Another summer must.
In the treasury of distinctive hospo spots in Blenheim, Dodson Street Beer Garden is a fan favourite. In 1858, Henry Dodson established a brewery and the malthouse was housed in the same building where you’ll find this venue. It’s the oldest commercial building in Marlborough and Dodson Street Beer Garden proudly boasts one of the largest selection of craft beers and ciders on tap in New Zealand - 24 at last count. More key features are the authentic German cuisine and salivating pizza selection. I love the old-timey beer hall, the trove of memorabilia and the ebullient spirit of its enterprising owner, Dietmar Schnarre.
Scenic Hotel Marlborough enjoys an unbeatable locale, perched on the edge of Seymour Square. Immaculately maintained with resplendent flower beds and crowned with the war memorial clock tower, this would have to be a hot contender as New Zealand’s most photogenic town square. Not only is the Scenic Hotel Marlborough perfectly positioned in the heart of town, but this stylish property features superb facilities including spa, pool, sauna, restaurant and bar. You’ll enjoy free Wifi, spacious air-conditioned guestrooms with flat-screen SKY TV and super-comfy beds, swathed in their signature Kiwi-made wool and down bedding. The hotel is also pet-friendly. marlborough.com