The French Farm is a winery in Duvauchelle, a small village on the Banks Peninsula near Akaroa Harbor. This lovely place, which came highly recommended, was an astonishing surprise. Situated on the rolling hillsides  amidst vineyards, and overlooking a small bay of local boats and boat houses, the atmosphere was purely French, appropriate for its name. There were gardens and landscaping with standard roses, a charming bridge, European egg-yolk colored stucco, lavender, and boxwood hedges. The umbrella tables in the courtyard patio were welcoming, as was their menu and wine list. Henry and I chose cheese boards and paté with a light and lovely Akaroa Valley Merlot. The wait staff at the vineyard enticed each table to order a full bottle of wine, instead of individual glasses. The argument was this: one glass costs $8.00 One bottle, costs $20. One bottle equals 4 to 5 glasses. You do the math! The second argument was simple: we could take home the unfinished bottle, especially since all New Zealand wines have screw tops!  Everyone drank all their bottle of wine -- and, everyone was having fun  on Valentine’s Day. We chatted with an English couple seated at the next table, comparing notes on our New Zealand tours. Not a bad end to a morning sailing!

PHOTOS: Upper Left: The French Farm Restaurant. Lower Left: A bed of lavender. Center: Doorway to the wine tasting reception and restaurant. Upper Right: A Valentine’s Day toast from Henry. Lower Right: Standard roses at the bridge across a stream.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                            BACK TO MAP PAGE