Winter 2011 Newsletter

It would be hard to believe that winter is approaching were it not for the golden leaves falling in a gentle breeze! After a couple of cold days at the end of April, the sun is warm, the sky clear blue, proofing that any time of year is good to visit Marlborough and enjoy a few relaxing days at the Peppertree.

Looking back over the season just gone, we consider ourselves fortunate to have had another successful summer. Many guests extended their stay over a few days, taking advantage of the various activities available in the area. Particularly popular were the scenic flights by helicopter starting and ending within our olive grove, a unique experience. We also had a number of repeat visitors confirming that the Peppertree offers a special blend of luxury with a personal touch. We are proud to continue to maintain our Qualmark 5 star grade “exceptional among the best available in New Zealand” in the category “Guest and Hosted”.

Without exception our guests enjoy the delicious cooked breakfasts with homemade conserves, bread and pastries. Our new mixed Platters for Two are also very popular and much praised. We have received appreciative feedback for the comfortable and spacious en-suite rooms and extended range of toiletries. All our rooms have access to a secluded area of our expansive gardens, inviting to a stroll in the vineyard or olive grove, or even to say hello to the flock of sheep as well as our miniature Hereford cattle Daisy and Molly, and Morton, Molly’s new offspring.

As ever, our informal welcome drink for guests on the day of arrival is the perfect opportunity to meet up, and taste a glass of the “Peppertree Chardonnay”, lovingly tended and organically produced in our boutique vineyard. At the same time, our guests can sample our home grown olive oil. The 2011 vintage “Peppertree Chardonnay” promises to be excellent. The harvest this year was later than other years and your ‘……’ has again provided a valuable contribution. As usual, it was a most enjoyable social event with a celebratory barbeque, on the last sunny day before the rain came down.

In an effort to contribute to a sustainable environment we have increased our solar energy panels this year and are actively encouraging recycling. We are proud to serve organically grown produce from our property, including honey from a friend’s beehives placed in our garden.

With all the satisfaction of a successful summer season we are not forgetting the victims of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone in Canterbury, along with all friends and families involved. We were very lucky in Blenheim not to have been affected.

Soon the Rugby World Cup 2011 will start. The Peppertree in Blenheim is the perfect location to stay and ideally placed to fly to the games; at the same time it is an oasis of peace for those not involved.

With our best wishes
Werner & Heidi Pluss

Helicopter flights right from the The Peppertree’s Olive Grove with the Edwardian Villa

How to find us:

Winter 2011 Newsletter