Hawkes Bay Latest News
Winter 2010
Well, the shortest day has passed so it’s on toward spring. In the meantime, you can enjoy the advantages of winter – skiing if you’re into that, sitting by the fire with a good book, and cooking stews and soups, the aromas of which make a cold day worthwhile.
 |
"O, wind, if winter comes
can spring be far behind?" Percy Bysshe Shelley |
If you want to get outdoors on an invigorating winter day, you can cycle the Rotary Pathway from Port Ahuriri in Napier to River Road in Havelock North, all completely off-road. Hawkes Bay is known for its bike-friendly terrain, and with the proposed construction of new trails around Napier and Hastings, including the Landscape Trail in the Tukituki Valley and the Water Trail from Napier to Bay View, this activity will become even more popular. So, ‘on yer bike’!
Hawkes Bay continues to make its mark on the world wine stage, and 30 Hawkes Bay winemakers have banded together to promote their wines from the unique soils of the Gimblett Gravels appellation. A recent historic occasion was the first ever tasting of wines from the Gimblett Gravels to be held in Bordeaux - or anywhere in France for that matter! The event was attended by some of the most influential chateau proprietors, representatives and oenologists of Bordeaux as well as the media.
The response was enthusiastic, and the outstanding quality of the featured wines from Craggy Range, Sacred Hill, Trinity Hill, Church Road and Villa Maria was commented on by many of the Bordelaise. Led by Steve Smith, Director of Wine & Viticulture for Craggy Range, the delegation was delighted with the accolades.
On August 28th, Hawkes Bay Racing Club opens their spring program with the Mudgway Parts World Racing Carnival followed by the Windsor Park Plate Premier Raceday on Sept. 18th and then the Spring Classic Premier Raceday on October 2nd. See our website for special race day accommodation packages.
Glen Aros had a record olive harvest this season and we look forward to tasting the oil and enjoying the processed olives. On September 18, the New Zealand Olive Festival will come to Hawkes Bay. This year it will be held at nearby Sileni Estate where you will be able to enjoy olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations, olive grower stalls, food and entertainment. As this event will be staged in the last weekend of the Blossom Festival (September 11 – 20), we should see lots of visitors to the area. In honor of the Blossom Festival, Hasting City Art Gallery has a special exhibition of The Flower in Contemporary NZ Art running from July 10 to September 26. Four local restaurants are deserving finalists in the 2010 Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards, so congratulations to Black Barn Bistro, Elephant Hill Estate & Winery, Terroir at Craggy Range, and Vidals Winery Restaurant. Cuisine Magazine also featured Hawkes Bay food and wine in a recent issue, mentioning area new comers Taste Cornucopia cafe in Hastings, Bellatino’s in Havelock North, Picada artisan foods, Tangaroa Seafoods and Sushi Aozora in Ahuriri, and Abalone Exporters in Napier.
Glen Aros Country Estate is delighted to promote these superb winery restaurants, cafes and food suppliers. Glen Aros offers a luxurious environment with casual sophistication. Wide open spaces and pristine New Zealand countryside surround the lodge, and guests can also enjoy the pool and spa area, the panelled billiard room and beautiful garden setting. There are 6 spacious suites and the guest lounges open to verandas overlooking the lawns and gardens. Our in-house chef and 24-hour concierge will see to your every comfort. The tariff, from NZ$580 + taxes, includes accommodation, pre-dinner drinks with canapés, a gourmet breakfast and full use of all the facilities. Visit our website for more details.
Although the 2010 Hospice Holly Trail is not until November, tickets are already selling fast so if you want to attend this celebration of homes in the Hawkes Bay wine country you should check out their website. This year the 12 showcased homes range from historic to contemporary and grand to intimate, but they’ll all be stunningly decorated by floral designers, and along the way there’s a garden fete with 30 vendors of high quality products and a garden cafe. See our website for accommodation packages.
On October 16, the Endeavour Express will again make a scenic excursion over the spectacular Napier to Gisborne railway line. The train will be diesel hauled, and there are stops for photo opportunities. Information is at Steam Incorporated website.
Now there's less than 420 days to go to the Rugby World Cup when we welcome teams from Canada, France and Asia at McLean Park in Napier. Glen Aros is already fielding enquiries for this exciting event, so contact us now for rates and availability.
Keep in mind that ‘winter is the season when people try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when they complained about the heat’.
Best regards from the owners, managers and staff of Glen Aros Country Estate.
