Setting
The humble cottage that houses Lake Chalice’s cellar door belies the warm welcome you will receive when you visit. The friendly staff are keen to showcase the range of wines produced here, as well as explain the artisanal philosophy that goes into making them. Also make sure to take a close look at the wall coverings in the cellar door – they have been created out of former oak barrels.

Things To Know
Owners Chris Gambitsis and Phil Binnie couldn’t have chosen a stonier patch of land in Marlborough to plant their first vineyard, known as the Falcon Vineyard. But the hard work paid off, with the fruit from this block being intensely flavoured. Four other blocks have joined the original. The Quarry Block next to the cellar door was awarded a Green Ribbon by New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment, after Lake Chalice, with the help of construction company Fulton Hogan, turned a disused quarry into a working vineyard. A new addition to the line-up is the Spice Trail – wines designed specifically to match with spicy food.

Our Picks
The Raptor Chardonnay and The Raptor Sauvignon Blanc are intensely flavoured, showing the beauty of low yields. Also look out for the Platinum range, only made in exceptional years.