12 April 2008
The Marlborough Grape Ride traverses a 101km circuit through some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. From the Forrest Estate Winery stone wall which is located in the capital of the New Zealand wine industry, Renwick, it’s a flat route to Blenheim. Riders then head north and gently climb into Picton with an exhilarating descent into the centre of the town. Climbing out of Picton, the route follows the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive around the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, literally a ride through nature’s photo album. The stunning scenery of Ngakuta and Momorangi Bays passes as the ride winds and twists to The Grove.
A flat ride to Linkwater leads onto Mahakipawa hill and more breathtaking scenery, followed by a descent to the outskirts of the mussel capital, Havelock. Left turn onto SH 6 and it’s homeward bound across gently rolling terrain, hopefully with the prevailing breeze at your back and home to Renwick. Off the bike and you’re in the grapes with our celebrity guests, treading grapes for processing into an exclusive Forrest Estate vintage for next year’s event.
Website: www.graperide.co.nz