So, I decided that we should have a visit to a winery while we were in New Zealand. Today was the day, since we were driving through Marlborough in the afternoon. We had a slow start from Picton, having been delayed by sleeping in, scouring the luggage for a misplaced birthday gift, and checking out the WiFi at the local library. However, our luck held, and we arrived at Brancott Estates Heritage Centre at 3pm, just as the kitchen was closing. The Chef was kind enough to allow us to order our meals, and even sent out an amuse bouche with her/his compliments (a mini souffle with a white fish filling and lemon cheese finish, served on tasting spoons).

Jill and I shared a lovely grilled grouper with olive oil mash and leeks and caper side, while Julian and Clara shared the lamb shank with polenta, and mushrooms with a spinach side. The girls indulged in chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and carmelized hazelnuts, while I had a dessert sampler of chocolate truffles, thinly sliced biscotti with pistachio, and Turkish delight (rose flavoured just like we had in Istanbul!). Oh and I had the suggested wine with my meal and a decaf mocha with dessert.

Simply delightful!