A secluded cottage surrounded by vines
Resting your head in a quaint cottage in the heart of Marlborough wine country makes for a perfect getaway, writes Josephine Franks.
Flanked by vines on all sides, the Hans Herzog Vineyard Cottage is about as Marlborough as you can get. With a complimentary tasting included with the stay, the Wairau River running along the edge of the property and bikes for gentle exploring, you can get the full Marlborough experience without leaving the grounds.
The place
Firmly on the wine trail, the cottage is perfectly located for exploring local vineyards. And where better to start than on site?
All the wine-making at Hans Herzog is done in-house, from pressing to bottling, and each stay starts with a tour of the vines and winery. Despite the cottage being a stone’s throw from the winery, it feels secluded.
The space
The cottage lives up to the cosiness of its name, with the fireplace, writing desk, comfy couch, and wingback armchair conjuring a scene from the English countryside.
The deck was made for enjoying the view out to the vines and the Richmond Hills, with seating options wherever the light might hit – a bench, a couch, sun loungers by a pond, and a table and chairs for enjoying breakfast al fresco.
We arrive just as the afternoon sun is turning the vines orange, but the dawn light among the leaves is just as beautiful.
The room
The bedroom comes off the living space in an L-shape with no walls or door for separation, but given the cottage is set up for couples that’s not a problem, and it means the heat from the fire warms the whole space as well. The king-sized bed takes up most of the space and, like the rest of the cottage, it’s all about comfort and luxury, made up with cotton sheets and cosy blankets.
The food
For many guests, the five-course private dining menu is the main draw, but we have other evening plans. The breakfast is delicious though. It’s served by owner Hans with a gentle 9am knock on the door, the tray groaning under the weight of all the goodies we selected from a tick-box menu the day before.
Fresh croissants, bread, seasonal fruit, and homemade granola, alongside fresh orange juice and coffee from the Nespresso machine, make for an excellent start to the day.
There are other treats too – a tiered cake stand of fresh fruit and jars of spiced nuts and ginger kisses.
Stepping out
The bikes are your gateway to Marlborough’s wineries. The freedom of the wind rushing through your hair is equal only to the freedom of nobody having to volunteer to be the sober driver.
With most of the area pancake-flat, and with a good network of cycle trails, it’s perfectly set up for exploring on two wheels.
While the wineries are the main attraction, don’t forget to stop at the Makana Confections chocolate shop for some of its famous macadamia brittle.
The lowlight
The style of the cottage meant it felt quite busy, with lots of ornaments, knick-knacks and cushions, rather than space to spread out and make yourself feel at home.
But if my only nitpicking is too many decorative cushions, it’s probably a sign there’s not much to complain about.
The essentials
The Hans Herzog Vineyard Cottage is available from $420 a night. A one-night booking has a surcharge of $80, and a one-night booking on a public holiday has a $100 surcharge.