Those of you who are coming on the March 2014 trip
with Wine-Knows to New Zealand will have the good fortune to dine in one of the
globe’s most extraordinary restaurants. Named
“Terroir,” this gourmand’s paradise caught our eye when we visited it on our
earlier trip. It was love at first bite.
Little did we know, however, that this jaw-dropping restaurant would soon be
voted in the Top 20 by a respected panel comprised of food and wine
journalists, wine experts, and sommeliers…in consultation with France’s revered Michelin
Guide.
What makes this Top 20 list even more interesting is
that the professionals who chose these winners focused on restaurants that were
owned by wineries. Terroir restaurant is
located in the Craggy Range winery. One of the la crème de la crème wine
producers in all of New Zealand, Craggy Range is located in the famous Hawke's Bay wine region on the country's northern island. We thought
that nothing could possibly top the tasting of their stunning viticultural lineup,
but we were awestruck when we walked into the restaurant which boasted
unobstructed floor-to-ceiling-views of the lake with the Craggy Range mountains
in the distance. And, that was before a
morsel of food had even been served.
Standouts on the menu were the fish soup…reminiscent
of a boullisbase. In a rich broth flavored with saffron and
filled with shellfish, it could have easily been served at a Michelin star restaurant
on the French Riviera. But, every
element of the soup was sourced locally, as was the lamb and duck entrees that
followed…both of which were exquisitely prepared.
For more details on these Top 20 winery restaurants,
check it out: http://www.thedailymeal.com/20-best-winery-restaurants-around-world/101413
