FLAxMORE

Another small, friendly artisan winegrower established by a former corporate couple, Stuart and Patrica Anderson, is Flaxmore. Stuart is from Christchurch and brought his English wife to Nelson on a visit some years ago. She mentioned that if ever they lived in New Zealand, this would be the place - a suggestion Stuart stored away, he said with a laugh. Leaving their former life on their own terms, they bought 28ha of sloping land in the Moutere Hills in 2006 and planted 9ha of vines in the following couple of years along with 60 different species of native and exotic trees. Beside their modest cellar door with attached art gallery, there’s a vineyard walk with sweeping views across the Moutere to the snow-topped Mt Arthur and Kahurangi Ranges. Focussing on vineyard quality, they sold grapes to Neudorf and still do, but since 2018 have produced their own label, with Stuart working alongside winemaker Todd Stevens. Their wines are fragrant and textural. I loved the Flaxmore pinot gris 2021, aromatic with hints of mineral and spicy fruit, a velvety texture and dry finish. 2020 is the first vintage of their own chardonnay - Neudorf wanted all the grapes, according to Patricia. It’s spicy, with hints of gunflint, intense, complex and textural, beautifully balanced with an elegant fresh finish. flaxmore.co.nz

Moutere Hills

Tucked away up a narrow road in the Sunshine Valley is Moutere Hills’ cellar door and the busy Forsters restaurant - people even arrive for lunch by helicopter. Alistair and Fiona Forster run the acclaimed restaurant in the secluded valley. Glass walls open to a shady courtyard for summer dining, vineyards and views. It pays to book ahead here, but there’s also a cheese platter available for those who haven’t - if there’s a table free! Below the restaurant is the winery