RUNNING ROUND THE VINES

Popular vineyard running event the Saint Clair Vineyard Half is about to get even better with a new route and the addition of a new 12km race, V12. Held each May since 2007(this year on 9 May), the half marathon – said to be one of the most picturesque races in New Zealand – starts at the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen, winds through private vineyards, up and over stop banks and along the banks of the Wairau River before returning back to Saint  Clair Vineyard Kitchen.

The new V12 race is sponsored by Nelson ice cream makers Appleby Farms, and is designed to be a challenge for entrants, but require less training than the full half marathon distance, with the course  being off-road and mainly flat. The course will feature live entertainment, a huge array of on-course surprises, foodie treats, plus a bottle of Saint Clair wine for everyone who crosses the finish line.

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“We’re thrilled to be part of a  new feature to the Vineyard Half weekend,” says Mike Brown, CEO of Appleby Farms. “Supporting local is part of our ethos. We had a great time last year with providing a Sauvignon sorbet on the course and we look forward to  bringing more fun to the V12 in Marlborough next year.” vineyardhalf.com 

STRIVING FOR THE BEST

Gladstone Vineyards has a new owner, Eddie McDougall the award-winning winemaker, wine critic, columnist and TV personality. “We are striving to make New Zealand’s best pinot noir which we hope will catch the attention of the fine wine collectors of the world. We are super confident in the region, our winemaking abilities and the team behind this vision,” he says.

HOW TO HELP IF YOU CAN

The devastating bushfires in Australia have claimed dozens of human lives, thousands of buildings and potentially a billion animals. They have also swept through several wine regions, destroying one third of the Adelaide Hills wine region and also affecting the Tumbarumba region in NSW. The Adelaide Hills wine region has asked the drinking public to support the 20 plus wineries who lost vineyards, wineries, equipment and homes. These include Anderson Hill, ArtWine, Barristers Block, Bird in Hand, Emmeline Wines, Geoff Weaver, Golding Wines, Henschke, New Era Vineyards,  ova Vita Wines, Petaluma, Riposte Wines, Simon Tolley Wines, Tilbrook Estate, Tomich Wines, Turon Wines and Vinteloper. Check the labels for the identifying region of Adelaide Hills; your purchase will go towards helping these wineries to get back on their feet. adelaidehillswine.com.au/fireappeal

NEW ZEALAND WINE GUIDE 2019

Look out for the second edition of Celia Hay’s New Zealand Wine Guide. Fully revised and updated, it builds on the popularity of the first edition, awarded Gourmand World Book Awards Best in the  World for Wine and Tourism. Well-qualified on the topic, Celia is a chef who holds the WSET (London) Diploma of Wine, gained the French Wine Scholar credential in 2016, and is certified by the Society of Wine Educators. Celia says, “It has been so interesting visiting the wine regions around New Zealand and talking widely with very passionate wine people.”