Promising signs from Golden Bay

This summer, if you are heading to Golden Bay to spend some time soaking up the sun or playing in and on the water, take some time to indulge in the delights offered by the five wineries in the Bay.

Some have cellar door facilities you can visit to sample the wines they have on offer, but to taste the wines of the smallest of the lot, you will need to seek them out in the local supermarket or cafes.

Copper Lake Vineyards are located on the coast at Rototai with vines planted in dark, sandy soils.

Sue Lindsay and Peter Jones have enhanced their little piece of paradise by planting a small vineyard producing pinot noir, pinot gris, viognier and a little-known variety, shumberger. This year was their first commercial harvest and, after selling the fruit from young pinot noir vines to another producer, they made a small quantity of pinot gris for their own label.

Named after the colour of a small lake on the property, their stunning label and the single wine on offer were launched at a recent gathering of friends and neighbours who have helped to make Copper Lake the delightful experience it is. A few bottles of viognier were made by hand just to check the flavours being delivered by the vineyard, and I was lucky enough to enjoy a glass. While this wine is not available for sale (there simply is not enough of it), it shows fantastic promise for the future.

Wherever you are spending your summer holidays this year, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas - and remember, wine is best enjoyed regularly, in moderation and never when you are driving.

I've been drinking

Copper Lake 2008 Pinot Gris: This dry-style wine is elegant but packed with flavour. Rather than relying on punchy sweet, ripe fruit, this version from Copper Lake has fantastic ripe acidity to balance the multilayered pear and apple flavour. If this is a glimpse of the future, then it is bright for this new winery.

Fossil Ridge 2008 Rose ($20): Cuisine Magazine awarded it five stars and named it as the top rose and best buy in the January 2009 issue. Taste it and you will see why bright, fresh strawberry flavours, not too sweet or creamy, the essence of sunshine in a bottle. Only small amounts of this outstanding wine were made and demand has been high, so get yours quickly.

- © Fairfax NZ News