454871 Sun Oct 28 10:25:58 -0700 2007 4 37 Australia/New Zealand 0 3074120 Wondering if fellow Hounds could recommend which wineries are best to visit when I have just 2 days in Napier. And which two wineries would you chose for dinner? Sun Oct 28 10:25:58 -0700 2007 58643 BBoop 1 3085190 My recommendations for Napier area would be Unison - My favourite winemaker of the area, and often the person doing the tastings Ngatarawa - Often have some interesting bottles open Vidals - very good range, great Syrah Te Mata - Specifically for the Elston Chardonnay and Bullnose Syrah Clearview and Beach House in Te Awanga, whjile you are out that way Kim Crawford Matariki - Quintology and their Sangiovese A good website, with map trai is http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/food_wine/food_map/index.htm if you are there on the weekend you must visit the Farmers Market, the Hastings one is bigger and better than Napier Village Press Olive Oil is my favourite oil, the Picual is amazing Eating Te Awa has very good reviews as does Vidals, similarly Terroir at Craggy Range Diva - Havelock North, very nice restaurant, great Maitre'D/Owner My top tip would be to try and get a copy of the latest Cuisine, and their wine country annual release, a very well thumbed book when i had it. have a great time Thu Nov 01 01:46:54 -0700 2007 3074120 136635 stanleyk 2 3094369 Thanks Stanleyk - I'll raise a glass to your good health and all the Chowhounds who love to chow - and know how. Sun Nov 04 14:55:52 -0800 2007 3085190 58643 BBoop 2 3196818 Hey Stanleyk: You were 100% right - especially about Unison. Had a fantastic tasting with Bruce, the winery co-owner. Very relaxed and informative and the wine was the best I had in my NZ travels. Just exceptional. Mon Dec 10 18:02:15 -0800 2007 3085190 58643 BBoop 3 3199234 I'd second Stanleyk's recommendations. If you are still around the Hawkes Bay region I'd also suggest Craggy Range and their absolutely fabulous Terrior restaurant. It is pricey and may be a little out of the way of Napier, but definitely worth it. Kim Crawford is also worth a visit if you get chance. Megandavid Tue Dec 11 13:52:53 -0800 2007 3196818 82982 megandavid