The Alexandra Basin is the most Southerly Wine Growing Region in the world! Central Otago takes that title in general, but the Alex sub-region is the furtherest South. With 25 vineyards in the region, I attended the Winegrowers 12th Annual New Release Tasting event in Clyde.
Located at Olivers Garden, the event went from 1-4pm and gave you a small tasting glass when you arrive. Each vineyard had a tent & table with water, crackers, bread, cheese and spreads.
The weather was overcast and a bit rainy so it was nice they had a large tent to take cover. There was also ample tables and chairs.
Out of the 16 vineyards at the event, here are the one’s I visited:
- Dunstan Rd
- Three Miners
- Thyme Hill
- Grey Ridge
- Hawkdun Rise
- Ruru
- Judge Rock
- Omeo
- Two Paddocks
- Pick & Shovel
- Alexandra Wine Company
- Barrington
For only $30 I thought the event was done very well. It was also nice that the vineyards offered discounted prices on bottles. Once you paid, you received a number in which you handed in at the end of the event to collect your bottles. It was very well organized.
TIP: Bring a mini-clipboard to jot down notes on your favorite vineyards and wines in the program.
Have you been to a similar release event? What was your experience?