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• What wine can we taste during the tour?

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Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rose.

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• How many different wines can we taste during the tour?

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5 wines.

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• Are we tasting any French wine?

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No French wines are being tasted; however, Renan Cataliotti is French and owns French peak wines and manages Meniscus so the technic and savoir-fair to grow the wines are of ancient French traditions.

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• Is there any food served with the tasting? What kind?

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Every tasting is accompanied by locally made seasonal produce, the most common served being walnuts, olives, olive oil, Akaroa kingfisher smoke house salmon, salami, cheeses, humus, locally baked organic French baguette…

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Is there a vegan option? yes, all French peak and Meniscus wines are vegan friendly, we can also make up a vegan platter on special request. But make sure you request this with your booking so we know in advance.

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• How long is the tour all together?

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The Bonjour Akaroa tour last for about 2.5 to 3 hours with 20 to 30 minutes per cellar door for wine tasting.

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• How long do we spend in the van, driving?

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The tour takes you along the inner coast of Akaroa harbor on a nice scenic drive and at the longest you would be driving for 20 to 30 minutes.

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• Why are Banks Peninsula wines so specific?

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The intense flavors of our wines are due to the unique soil and micro-climate of Banks peninsula! Our vine roots go deep down into a thick layer of very fine silts that have been blow away from the glaciers for thousands of years. That loess soil is sitting on top of volcanic rocks and boulders. It gives our wines a very clean and refreshing structure!  

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• Is this tour run all year long?

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Yes, this wine tour is run all year long, but in the winter months the cellar door at french peak is closed so we can open this tour on special request if we have a group or 4 or more. 

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• Do I need to be 18 years old to take this tour?

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 Yes.

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• Can we bring children on this tour?

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We strongly do not recommend this.

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• What is the maximum capacity on the tour?

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We operate with a minibus of 9 seats for independent travelers but we can welcome big groups as well so feel free to get in touch.

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• Is there any walking involved in this tour?

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There is very little walking involved, from the van to the cellar doors, 20 meters or so and  but if you would like to have the option to learn about organic and  bio dynamic vineyard and walk around the vineyard you can decide on the day. 

 

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• What shall we bring with us?

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You do not need to bring anything specific to enjoy the tour. Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended.

Bring a water bottle -  we do provide glasses of water at the cellar door.

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• Where does the tour start from?

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The tour starts and finishes in Akaroa either from the Akaroa main wharf or from the Akaroa old post office, something that we would confirm upon your booking.

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