161juancarlosv, Jan 2026
Home away from home...an incredible tour
Sometimes in life what starts looking like a disaster turns into one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. My wife and I booked a private winery tour with Hop and Grape on the recommendation of our hotel, and had some preliminary email contact discussing options. On the appointed date we waited...and waited....and waited.... for our tour operator and after almost an hour reached out to the company, very frustrated and upset with the delay. As it turns out, the operator picked up the wrong guests at our same hotel, and it was not until I called that the error became apparent. Doug arrived to pick us up, very sincerely apologetic and upset with the delay he had caused us. He drove us to private Vineyards at Spy Valley, St. Claire (including lunch) , Cloudy Bay and Nautilus. At each location, he was well-known, and the hosts were extremely gracious affording us fabulous and very personalized tastings. The highlight of our day was getting to spend it with Doug, a published author, and highly inspirational person. He opened himself up to us, sharing his life and philosophies, his accomplishments and trials, and to quote him, provide us with "an experience that money cannot buy." It is rare to find someone thousands of miles away, who shares the same values and concerns, beliefs and insights, and makes you feel at home so far away from home. The tour itself was incredibly well structured, the wines awesome, the personal attention over the top, but the people behind it, Doug and Cameron, made it an experience to remember always. When I think of my travels to New Zealand, the day I will remember will be this one, sharing a very personal day with local down-to-earth people in their home.
