Exclusive harvest tour on offer at Eichardt's Private Hotel
Thursday 17 March 2011, 11:10AM
By Eichardt's Private Hotel
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Luxurious Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown has joined forces with one of New Zealand’s premier wineries to offer a truly exclusive harvest tour experience this autumn.
The renowned Mount Edward Winery, founded by Central Otago winemaking pioneer Alan Brady, has joined with Eichardt’s to offer a Harvest Escape package that includes accommodation and an exclusive access ‘behind the scenes’ wine tour like no other.
Mount Edward is a private winery specializing in Pinot Noir that has forged its rightful place among New Zealand and the world’s leading pinot labels.
Mount Edward wines are enjoyed around the world at venues including Buckingham Palace, The French Laundry in the Napa Valley, Tetsuya’s in Sydney and restaurants in The Gordon Ramsey Group.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel General Manager Holly Taylor said there was no better time to visit Queenstown than when the district was ablaze with the orange and gold of autumn and winemakers were busy harvesting the fruit of their labours.
“This is the perfect opportunity to visit Mount Edward and see the winemaking process up close with fermenters bubbling away, taste new wines and older vintages, and join vintner Duncan Forsyth and his team for a beautiful harvest lunch,” she said.
“Mount Edward is one of our House Bar’s signature wines so we know our guests are in for a real treat.”
Mount Edward Winery nestles at the foot of the mountain from which it takes its name in Gibbston Valley, just outside Queenstown.
All estate vineyards are managed using Bio-Gro certified organic practices and reflect a traditional and natural winegrowing ethos that Duncan and his team believe is critical for producing the very best wines.
Founder Alan Brady was the first person to plant grapes in beautiful Gibbston in 1981 and the very first to take Central Otago wine to the world in 1987. Professionally-trained vintner Duncan Forsyth arrived in the area in 1993 and after working with many of the region’s top estates, plus working in Oregon, Germany and California, he put roots down in the late 1990's when he and partner Helen planted their own vineyard. He joined Mount Edward in 2004.
The Eichardt’s Harvest Escape package includes two night’s luxury accommodation, breakfast each morning and the exclusive harvest tour to Mount Edward winery: From $2132 (twin share) Subject to availability. Conditions apply. Valid to 31 May, 2011.
Fine accommodation at Eichardt’s Private Hotel is provided in five luxurious hotel suites within the historic building and in four, two-bedroom suites in the Lakefront Cottage. All are situated in a premium lakefront position in the heart of Queenstown.
About Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Eichardt's opulent suites located in the historic hotel and its Lakefront Cottage invite guests to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world's truly remarkable locations.
The historic hotel reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with the distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings of this New Zealand icon.
The suites within feature a super-king bed, fireplace and mini-bar, a dressing room and bathroom with generous bath and double vanity, separate shower, heated mirror and floor. Each one is fully entertainment and business integrated with personal audiovisual systems, along with email and internet access.
Launched in September 2008, the Lakefront Cottage is designed to blend with the historic character of the waterfront, home to Queenstown’s oldest original building and a Victorian bathhouse.
The cottage is perfect for larger parties, families, professionals and longer staying guests. The split-level suites are interconnected and can be opened to become a large single accommodation space, or sectioned off for smaller groups.
Each suite is spacious and airy, illuminated with natural light, and upper floor roofs have sunny skylights with electric shutters. A compact and well-equipped kitchen with microwave and hob enables relaxing ‘at home’ dining or entertainment.
The Eichardt’s House Bar, an award-winning bar with Queenstown’s best wine list, is open every day from 7.30am till late, serving breakfast, lunch and tapas. Phone 03-441 0442 for enquiries.