As well as the cafes and restaurants reviewed, don't forget about all the winery restaurants. You'll find them listed on the free winery map from the visitor center.

World-Class Wining & Dining

If you feel like a drop of one of the world's most sought-after wines -- Chateau de Valandrand -- Hanz and Therese Herzog of Herzog Winery & Restaurant, 81 Jeffries Rd., Blenheim (tel. 03/572-8770; www.herzog.co.nz), can oblige. Wine Spectator has recognized Herzog for having one of the best wine lists in the world, and if you visit this little culinary paradise, you'll be reluctant to leave. Luckily you don't have to. As well as a divine Cellar Door & Bistro and a fine-dining restaurant with Michelin star-rated chefs, they also have a gorgeous little vineyard cottage for two restaurant guests at NZ$380 per night. Factor in an exciting range of cooking classes (from NZ$180 per person), and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. Herzog Cellar Door is open weekdays 9am to 5pm; the bistro Tuesday to Sunday for lunch; the restaurant from 6:30pm Tuesday to Sunday (daily Dec-Mar). Restaurant main courses cost NZ$34 to NZ$54 and a three-course set menu is NZ$110; bistro mains run around NZ$28 to NZ$34.

Taste Sensations

Marlborough is home to around 120 olive groves and a number of commercial presses. At the first New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oils Awards in 2002, Marlborough growers won more than 30% of all awards. A number of growers welcome visitors and you can get a list of their names from the visitor center, or contact the Marlborough branch of Olives New Zealand (www.olivesnz.org.nz). You can also visit the Village, 193 Rapaura Rd. (tel. 03/579-3520; www.thevillage.co.nz), for a wide range of wines, olive oils, schnapps, liquors, and a cafe. And to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can now visit Northland's Makana Confections, premier chocolate makers, which has set up a not-to-be-missed shop on the corner of Rapaura and O'Dwyers roads, Blenheim (tel. 03/570-5370; www.makana.co.nz); it's open daily 9am to 5:30pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.