Posted on November 14, 2012 by sguese

 

With one-eighth of Christchurch dedicated to green spaces, many visitors often stick to the city limits. Everything appears to be at one’s feet, from natural beauty to English architecture. However the country’s second largest city offers plenty to sample and sip on just beyond its limits. Christchurch sets up within reach of many world-class wineries. Hop in your car hire Christchurchand head for the hills and valleys of the

se main wineries.

 

Waipara Springs Winery

 

Many visitors to Christchurch head straight for the Waipara Springs Winery, one of the valley’s oldest wineries. Visitors can grab lunch here or just go on a wine tasting. The vineyard produces top-notch pinto noirs, Rieslings, gewürztraminer and chardonnays. Waipara Springs Winery also produces sauvignon blanc, pintos gris, rosé and syrah. The winery has accumulated numerous medals overseas and New Zealand for its perfection of a good bottle.

 

Mud House Wine Estate

 

If you love a fine atmosphere when you wine taste, Mud House Wine Estate fulfills that need. The winemaking takes place in a huge cathedral like limestone and timber building. While only 10 years old, the structure could pass for being medieval. The Mud House Wine Estate is known for its Riesling, pinot gris and pinot noir. It uses grapes from Marlborough, Otago and Waipara to make for an interesting bottle.

 

Pegasus Bay

 

Pegasus Bay also makes for a good day trip from Christchurch. The winery boasts one of the region’s best reputations for wine and food in Canterbury. It has received awards for its Rieslings, chardonnay and pinot noir. Pegasus Bay also has been ranked among the top five wine producers in the nation. It has remained in the family for over 30 years.

 

More Information

 

There are over 80 wineries in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Christchurch is the fourth largest winemaking area in the country. Visitors might be curious as to why this area is so fruitful. This stretch of the country boasts long hours of sunshine, cool winters, stony soils and low rainfall, making for ideal wine making conditions. The Canterbury region is known for its red wines, in particular its cabernets, merlots and pinot noirs. The main growing areas consist of Waipara, Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula.