FOODS TO PAIR WITH PINOT NOIR

The Better Half Marlborough Pinot is the perfect choice for a fun afternoon or evening. A fruity red wine always pairs perfectly with sparkling conversation and a spicy dose of humour as the sun goes down.

But what happens when it’s time to eat? What are the best foods to pair with The Better Half Pinot Noir?

To be honest, George is a little sceptical about finding the perfect “food pairing.” His rule is that there are no rules! Good company’s more important than the cuisine, and the conversation should keep flowing, not cut out as the cook checks on dinner.

We do need to eat though and sometimes the perfect snack can prolong the fun. In case you need some inspiration, here are a few food-pairing pointers that will make the most of your glass of The Better Half Pinot Noir.

FOODS TO PAIR WITH THE BETTER HALF PINOT NOIR

1. A platter of cured meats is the perfect accompaniment to Pinot Noir.
  The ultimate “not-dinner”, a plate of prosciutto, salami or jamon is the ideal match to this light juicy wine. Maybe add some olives or soft cheeses if you want to get really fancy. The salty flavours and decadent fat content of these meats perfectly enhance the fresh flavours and juicy acidity of our favourite Pinot Noir.
2. Anything on the grill.
  George is a maestro on the bbq – it’s the ultimate easy dinner when friends are round. You just can’t beat some sausies on the bbq! A little touch of char from the grill combined with the rich earthy flavours in the meat is a great match for The Better Half Pinot Noir… Even better if you can source some snags with a hint of fennel in them which brings out the beautiful perfume of the pinot.
3. Fresh caught fish or shellfish.
  Forget the old saying of white wine with fish! Pinot is a great choice to pair with seafood. In Marlborough George loves the local “kai moana.” We are blessed with beautiful salmon, cod, shellfish and local crayfish, all of which are delicious with a glass of refreshing, flavoursome Pinot Noir.

So the next time you crack a bottle of The Better Half Pinot, pair it like a pro with one of these delicious dishes and discover your new favourite combination.

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Off the Beaten Track: The Better Half Wine, New Zealand

Wild Marlborough Places That Inspire The Better Half Wines

Most people picture Marlborough as vineyards, cafés, and carefully curated landscapes — and they’re not wrong. But you don’t have to go far beyond that tame beauty to find wild ridgelines, remote coasts, and alpine valleys that feel like the edge of the earth.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to escape to at the end of the week, all within an hour or two of Blenheim, yet all delivering that exhilarating “untouched world” feeling that inspires The Better Half Wines.

Altimarloch & the Black Birch / Blairich Peaks

High country adventure right behind one of our top Sauvignon Blanc vineyards.

Altimarloch and its cousins Blairich and Black Birch peaks sit high above the Awatere Valley, offering sweeping 360 views across Marlborough’s vineyards and valleys, as well as out to the coast and inland towards Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku – the South Island’s highest peak. A 4WD track leads from just by one of our favourite Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and takes you almost to the summit, making it an easy gateway to the rugged ridgelines, beloved by hunters and high-country hunters, and – for George – an adrenaline-filled mountain bike ride back down!

Why we love it: This high-altitude, sunshine-rich country is critical for the bright, energetic character of our Sauvignon Blanc.

Cape Campbell Coast

Remote, windswept, and alive with birdlife — a coastline we help protect.

The pale uplifted rock shelves and rugged coastal cliffs, long stretches of shingle beach, and sweeping sand dunes make Cape Campbell feel like another planet. And that’s before you consider the lighthouse: an imposing sentinel over the beaches and featured in the movie “The Light Between Oceans”. It’s also home to important seabird species, which is why we proudly support the local East Coast Protection Group. George loves to land his plane on the local airstrip amongst the grasses there and chat to the local volunteers about how the conservation work is going

Why we love it: Cool ocean breezes keep our nights cool and help shape Marlborough’s aromatic, refreshing style.

Molesworth Station

NZ’s largest high-country station is the perfect back country adventure. The Molesworth is vast, raw, and unforgettable: tussock valleys, braided rivers, and back country roads roll on for hours. It’s prime territory for 4WD adventures or multi day hikes, with star filled camping under the vast southern skies.

Why we love it: Cosy campfires and Sauvignon by starlight is what The Better Half Wine is all about.

View over river and peaks of Marlborough: Perfect location for a Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Rainbow Ski Area

A high-altitude playground— built for skiing in winter and mountain biking or 4WD adventures towards Hanmer in the summer. The road up to Rainbow Ski Area is an adventure of its own. In winter it’s a friendly, uncrowded ski field; in summer it becomes a favourite 4WD and mountain biking route, offering huge views across the ranges.

Why we love it: It’s a reminder that Marlborough’s “civilised” wine country is never far from true alpine grit — the same contrast that makes our wines refreshing yet full of character. Why we love it: It’s the perfect reminder that Marlborough’s wilder side is never far away

St Arnaud & Nelson Lakes National Park

Beech forests and alpine trails, with an icy lake for waterborne adventures.

Just over an hour from Blenheim, St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park, a region of alpine peaks, beech forests, and deep blue lakes. one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine regions.

Favourite adventures:

Mt Roberts ridge loop
The alpine journey to Lake Angelus
Waterskiing on Lake Rotoiti when it’s glassy and calm

Why we love it: George & Jules spend many summer days here — adventures here start early to make the most of the days and always finish with a well earned glass of wine.

George setting off on his Mountain Biking Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Taste Marlborough’s Wild Side

These landscapes — high country, coast, and alpine lakes — inspire the adventurous spirit of The Better Half Wines. You don’t need to hike a ridge or land on a beach to experience them. Just pour a glass.

👉 The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc
👉 The Better Half Pinot Noir

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