If there's someone in your life that's virtually impossible to buy for, fret no more because I've found the perfect Christmas present for even the most difficult recipient of your festive goodwill.
If you or your loved one have ever entertained the thought of owning your own block of vines, learning
how to tend them, growing the grapes, making the wine and then drinking it with great gusto and satisfaction, I have the answer.
Thanks to award-winning Hawke's Bay winery Ash Ridge, you can have all that without any of the blood, mud, sweat and tears of being an actual vineyard owner.
The Adopt a Row concept incorporates the "adoption" of your own row from a selection of three grape varieties for one year, including a personal tour of the vineyard and updates on how the grapes are progressing over the growing season.
The recipient will receive two bottles of wine, wine glasses, a certificate of adoption and a brochure explaining the whole process, presented in a special wooden wine box.
Gift owners can then buy wine from "their" vines and stay at the five-star Cardoness Lodge on the vineyard.
The concept is hosted on its own website with a full members' area that enables contact throughout the year and which shows progress in the vineyard and the winery, delivering a full educational experience from grape to wine.
Ash Ridge Wines owner Chris Wilcock says the idea stems from a gift he received himself in Britain.
"This package is we believe a first in New Zealand and offers a unique experience for the wine enthusiast," Chris said.
"It's the perfect insight into the journey from growing the grapes to making the wine, and gives the gift owner a wonderful sense of involvement in the whole process.
"And the best part is you get to drink the wine at the end."
Adopt A Row is limited to 200 participants and is available pre-Christmas for $95.
Yvonne Lorkin
For more details on the concept contact Chris Wilcock on 021 817 545 or visit www.avineidea.co.nz
