This seems to be the more wholesome version of a supermarket in Nelson. Yes there is the Countdown…read moreand New World Market, but Fresh Choice is smaller and has more "local". These are locally operated under a franchise model so different stores have different management, but at least for now it still has that charm. We loved the various fresh produce and the set of organic choices was great. We were fortunate to be able to just walk there from our lodgings and it was nice to get a fresh batch of organic produce for the evening. So if you are in Nelson, give this spot a try, its nicer that the more typical spots around town.

When traveling abroad I enjoy stopping by supermarkets to see what different items are available…read morefrom those standard at my local California supermarket. While walking around downtown Nelson we stumbled upon Fresh Choice. We saw interesting vegetables, substantial meat substitute options, a automated wine tasting system, and a nice selection of Whittaker's chocolates at good prices. I stocked up on the chocolate for gifts for friends. The cashier was very friendly. We found it well worth the visit during our limited time in Nelson.

My partner and I shared a half scoop of chips (with a ketchup packet for $0.50 extra) and two…read moregurnard fillets. We spent around ~$23. At the time that we ordered, there were 4 different fish that you could choose from. The service was quick and there is a clock behind the order counter that tells you how long your estimated wait time will be (ours was about 30 minutes on a Sunday evening). The fish and chips does not come with any dipping sauces or lemon, but there is extra salt and bottles of malt vinegar on the tables. The chips were well salted and thoroughly cooked and the fish was perfectly breaded and fried (not to soggy or crispy). Everything was very tasty! I would highly recommend stopping here for fish and chips if you're in Mapua.

Local fish & chips place that everyone loves in Mapua! We usually get whatever they have on daily…read morespecial (depends on the season.) One scoop of chips is $4.90. I've seen other places offer soggy & cold $3/scoop chips but chips from The Smokehouse is definitely worth paying $5! You can take it to go and have it at the wine bar or the brewery at Mapua Wharf. Perfect for a sunny day lunch/dinner. If you're there on a busy day, be aware of the line up and wait time. I've seen people waiting for their food for 40 mins. I suggest you place your order first and then go wander around the wharf! They also sell smoked fish and pate at the counter. Will try the smoked fish next time!

This winery is owned by a doctor who created fruit focused wines & wines lower in alcohol content…read more The grounds were beautiful Jan gave us 3 free complementary samples of delicious wines. She was knowledgeable, friendly and generous. I really enjoyed the Forrest rosé it was creamy summary and had strawberry flavors. TheSauvignon Blanc was quite good as well and the Forrest Albariño was smooth & zesty. My husband enjoyed his doctors Riesling but preferred the Forrest Petit Manseng. We were told that we can get some of these wines in and 400s of dollars contract and shipped to the United States.

Third winery stop (out of six) was at Forrest Wines. Lucky us, we managed to bump into the same…read moremassive bus tour group. The outside is where most of the seating is; a bunch of bean bags looked loungy. Service is friendly and helpful. There's a couple of tasting options. You can get 2 free bar tastings per person otherwise, you have to pay. There's a tasting tray (7 wine tastes) that seemed the most popular. There's also a small food menu: picnic hamper, platters, cheese and proper crisps (aka. chips). Didn't see anyone eating here. - The Doctors' bubbles for Beth 2010 - you don't see bubble reds often. Interesting, sweet and different. - Forrest sauvignon blanc 2017 - you can smell the guava. Much softer and subtle than other blancs we tasted. - The doctors' rosé 2017 - very light - Forrest albariño 2016 - pretty different; we've never had an albariño before. It's a little salty. - The doctors' riesling 2016 - way too sweet for our tastes. - Forrest pinot noir 2014 - this one had a dry finish. - Forrest petit manseng 2017 - this would be a good dessert wine. You can smell the mango. Not as sweet as the riesling. This one was our favourite out of the seven. A couple different wine types that may peak your interest. 3.5 stars.

Our fourth winery (out of six) was at Wairau River Wines. This was our least favourite…read more Oddly, this place only had standing room for tasting. There's a restaurant inside that I read has good food but it's pricey. Starters and mains (hello soufflé). Only open for lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Our server, an older lady, was terrible. She was caught up with some other party coming in and ignored us. We waited it out but should have just left. Not very informative or helpful and she was stingy with her pours. The wine tastings are complimentary but there's only four options. A small, sad list. - Sauvignon blanc 2017 - a little bit drier than the norm but not bad. - Pinot gris 2017 - a little more spice and punch to this pinot gris. - Gewürtztraminer 2017 - decent but nowhere near the quality that we had at Wither Hills. - Rosé 2017 - good with an off dry finish. Do yourself a favour and avoid WRW. So many other wineries to choose from, don't waste time here.

A wonderful place to spend the afternoon on the Marloborough region of New Zealand.The Maori (I…read morethink) lady behind the tasting counter was super lovely as can be, and so were ladies in the dining area. I had the smashing Green Mussel Chowder with smashing Pinot Noir I purchased and it was fantastic! Cannot go on more because running out of Kiwi superlatives. Just go there for lunch if you happen to.be in the hood

On the way out from Mopueka, we decided to hit up two wineries. The first stop was at Seifried…read moreEstate. We dropped in on a Saturday morning (around 10:15am). First customers! Hilarious that you can buy a used oak barrel ($100.00 NZD/whole or $60.00/half). Wine tastings are $6.00 NZD/person and you get to sample 5 wines. Fee is waved if you buy a bottle. We got a few extras and ended up sampling 7 wines! - Aotea by Seifried sauvignon blanc - all the sauvignon blancs are solid in this area. This one was no different. - Seifried riesling - we ended up getting a bottle ($17.00 NZD). A drier, less sweet style that we really enjoyed. - Seifried pinot gros - Seifried grüner veltliner - quite close to a gewurtztraminer. We liked this one too. - Seifried zweigelt - we got a hint of strawberry. Decent. - Seifried syrah - this was pretty different. Hints of plums, prunes and black pepper. Would be a really good for a meat marinade. - Seifried winemakers collection "sweet Agnes' riesling" - this is their most popular and best seller. It's quite pleasant. Not too sweet; you could easily drink a whole glass. Good first winery. Bottles are quite reasonably priced.

Our fifth winery (out of six) was at Giesen Wines Cellar Door. This was our other favourite winery…read moreof the day. There's a restaurant inside with a very small menu: a vintage platter, cheese platter, kid platter and two desserts. As for the wine tastings, it's $5.00 NZD/person and you get 6 tastes. The best part is you can choose ANY of the options. All the expensive ones please! It's standing room only but has a smart layout. Service was fantastic as our server was friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. Very down to earth and knew when to leave us alone. - The fuder sauvignon bland - Matthews Lane - pretty decent but not worth the $45.00 NZD price tag. - The brothers riesling - this one was very, very sweet. - The brothers gewürtztraminer - almost heading into the territory of a riesling for sweetness. Full bodied. - Classic cuvee - you taste the Chardonnay at the end. - Single vineyard clayvin syrah - good mouth feel. You can taste the lingering savoury finish. - The brothers late harvest sauvignon blanc - a dessert wine for sure. Super good with tones of pineapple and honey to finish. It's sweet but would be perfect in small doses. We almost got a bottle of this. Definitely worth checking out Giesen.

Free tasting! Our vintner was very knowledgeable and lovely to talk with. She was able to…read moreaccommodate a tasting of entirely reds. They have a nice garden patio for lunch, but only had a meat platter, a cheese plate and mussels on the menu.

What a wonderful place at the end of a long country road near Abel Tasman. It's one of the oldest…read morewinery in the area. The clay soil means that no need for irrigation. There whites are great. The Riesling and the Sauvignon blanc and Pinot Gris are light and very drinkable. But they are known for their Chardonnay's and Pinot Noirs. It's a big beautiful spot with an excellent patio. They have nibbles and things and a great view of the vineyard. A spot to stop if you are going up to Abel Tasman from Nelson.