Sheep and Chardonnay in New Zealand

A tour of New Zealand's finest vineyards and their spectacular surroundings now offers the perfect escape for discerning gastro-tourists, writes Susy Atkins. It's nearly 15 years since I first trailed round New Zealand's vineyards and wineries, and I have somewhat mixed memories of that trip. I remember unappetising food, grim motels straight from the 1950s, and an awful lot of sheep roaming around the "star" wine region, Marlborough.