Sipping Our Way Through Otago

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that great travel moments often come with great wine. Our day exploring Otago’s wine region, specifically the Gibbston Valley, was no exception! This area is renowned for its world-class Pinot Noirs, thanks to its unique climate and rich terroir. With harvest only three weeks away, the vineyards were buzzing with excitement and preparation. We kicked things off with our guide, GT, a winter sports pro who swaps his skis for a wine glass when the snow melts. He and Mike hit it off immediately, bonding over skiing, adventure, and—of course—good wine.

Delightful Stop: Mora – A Wild Host & a Surprising Favorite

Our first tasting and lunch took place at Mora, where we were greeted by a true New Zealand force of nature, Vicky—our host for the tasting. She led us through an incredible lineup of wines with infectious energy, making the experience as entertaining as it was delicious. We sampled a wide range, but to our surprise, the standout was the Chardonnay!  This one won us over so completely that we bought a bottle to take home.

Lunch at Mora was just as memorable. The setting was stunning, the food was served family-style, and the servers were so warm and happy that their energy felt contagious. The meal itself was a celebration of New Zealand’s fresh, seasonal produce, and the star of the show was the blue cod—a firm, flaky white fish that melted in our mouths.

A Bonus Stop: Cox Vineyard

After lunch, GT called an audible—instead of sticking to the original plan, he made an impromptu left turn and took us to Cox Vineyard, a hidden gem we might never have found on our own. Here, we met Simon (the owner) and Nick (the vineyard manager), who welcomed us like old friends. The Pinot Noirs here were lovely, each sip telling the story of the land and the hands that crafted it.

Mike and Nick geeked out over vineyard management, and we were completely won over by Nick’s passion for his craft—you could tell he wasn’t just making wine; he was living and breathing it. By the end of the visit, we were so charmed (and so impressed by the wine) that we ordered nine bottles to be shipped back home to the OC.

The Perfect End to a Perfect Day

After such an incredible lunch and an afternoon of sipping some of Otago’s best, we found ourselves completely content—and very full. So, for the first time in what feels like forever, we actually skipped dinner and had an early night. The day was perfect, filled with laughter, unexpected surprises, and, of course, incredible wine.

New Zealand continues to amaze us, and this wine-tasting adventure? Definitely one for the books.