Yeah! Yeah! Cloudy Bay!

Went for a walk by the river this morning, it was much cooler than yesterday which was a relief. I think I was the only person who wasn’t walking a dog (or two!)

For Christmas Emmy (via her partner in crime, Annemarie) surprised me with a tasting and treats at Cloudy Bay winery, a place I first visited almost 30 years ago and fell in love with their Sauvignon Blanc wine. I got to try 6 different wines-a sparkling Rose, a Chardonnay, 2 Sauvignon Blancs and 2 Pinot Noirs. I liked the Savs, but really loved the 2020 Pinot Noir. 

I had a nice chat with a young woman sitting next to me who was from Arkansas, now living in Dubai. She was holidaying in NZ for a couple of weeks and doing the wine trail on her bike. 

After I finished my tasting I got a glass of the Pinot and a cheese board and went out to the lawn to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  There were blankets and bean bag chairs and hanging swings to sit in/on. I started off on a blanket, then a couple sitting nearby invited me to join them, have some wine and use one of their bean bag chairs. They had just spent a week in the Marlborough Sounds at the family bach (cabin), and were off next to Great Barrier Reef. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Later I met up with Annemarie at the weekly market where we got fresh strawberries, cherries and locally made Camembert (only US$5 for a round!) Apparently the local egg seller, Koromiko eggs, is very popular. Even before the market started there was a long line in front of their stall and it stayed that way the whole time we were at the market. We saw a few people leaving with several flats of eggs!

We finished Glass Onion and both thoroughly enjoyed it, even more than Knives Out. I loved all the random stars who showed up in small parts!