Lick your lips, here's your Wairarapa food & wine trip

Fabulous food and great wine are a long-held winning combo; add in a stunning setting, and boom, there is magic in the air.

Martinborough wine village serves up this triumphant trifecta in bucket loads, no matter what the season. Even with Jack Frost nipping at the door, this little gem of town is a couple’s paradise.

Just a wee jaunt from downtown Wellington, sign off early from work and head on over.

Check in to a secluded cottage at Parehua Resort, a short stroll from the town square. A private outdoor hot tub and indoor open fire make this the perfect stay for a winter’s getaway with your most precious.

Neighbouring Greytown Village is a noted shopping destination, not to mention a picture postcard town too, and it's where you are heading next morning. Fill up on coffee and breakfast at The Offering, one of numerous great places to eat; and before heading back to “Marty” drop in at Schoc Chocolates for some incredible hand-crafted and gold medal winning sweet treats.

Exercise awaits you on your return to Parehua Resort, but don’t panic, it is leisurely and sure to be rewarding. With more than 25 wineries Martinborough is tailor-made for two-wheeled exploring. Green Jersey Explorer Tours will sort you out for bikes, they even have electric assist to lessen the work-load.

Among the cellar doors there are some superb options for wining and fine dining: Luna Estate, Poppies, Moy Hall, Tirohana . . . you choose.

Maybe a little lie-down before the evening festivities get underway. When night does call, there are some splendid options on offer, among them Union Square Bistro & Bar at The Martinborough Hotel where Michelin star chef Adam Newell works his magic. On the way call in at Martinborough Brewery for a cleansing ale.

You will be blissfully content on the drive home, and before popping over the Remutaka Hill drop into C’est Cheese in Featherston to stock up and some fancy fromage.