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Hawkes Bay Hurrah -Day 14

Woke up late and Sandra had already been driven to work (still a bit too much alcohol in the system to drive). Started to feel a bit viral with a sore throat and a cough. Mick and I went for a Drive up to Te mata peak - a very windy walk-  lots of runners and walkers. Including some with very tiny babies strapped to their chests! 

We met up with Sandra and had a lovely lunch at Vidals an old winery close to Hastings with lovely food and nice wine. Sadly they are moving the winery out of town due to residents complaints about noise. Currently it's in a beautiful old building but will be moving out to one of the other vineyards. 

After lunch Sandra and I went for a walk with Jack an Bella their dogs to the rose gardens in the local park. They were gorgeous in full bloom with many beautiful scents. Leaving the park we passed some Cute little old ladies, who were being taken for a walk in the park by a local charity(reminded me of Kingscare). One of the ladies commented on how well fed the dogs were! We got home and changed and then  picked up Becky and her friend Chloe and drove out to vineyard for a FAWC (food and wine classic) event at Oak Estate - new couple Swiss chef, German wife. Great food paired with each glass of wine. Their winemaker also talked us through the grapes etc. Briefly met Nic Olsen another friend of Sandra and Becki’s (Hawkes Bay wine ambassador) before she had to run off for an important dinner with two NZ wine critic legends Talk from winemaker who works at couple of other wineries. Surprisingly my favourite glass was actually the Pinot Gris, don't usually like Gris as it's usually very dry but this one was quite full flavoured. Mick the taxi picked us up and bought us home where we finished off a bottle of Rosé from the winery and cooked Chicken nuggets for Becks. then later Sandra and I walked Becky and Chloe home with Bella (one of the dogs). Stopped by Maori guy asking for petrol money or a smoke. We declined both with little bother. Finally got to bed in the wee small hours. 







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