Trail 7

South Taranaki

Hop on a minivan and visit...

Baked by Blanche

This micro bakery was inspired from a simple sourdough starter kit, which reignited Andrew’s love of baking. His wife Jo is the creative driving force. They focus on making real bread by hand, the way it used to be.  Andrew loves talking about his sourdough and will be sure to fill you in on the whole process.  You'll also be wow'd at how quickly he works with his dough and can churn out the delicious loaves, rolls and donuts!  There is always a line at their farmers market stall which is of course the tell tale sign of how good the sourdough is.  Andrew will give you a variety of his bread to try, including the popular Chilli 'n' Cheese. There will also be fresh bread to purchase on the day....the donuts are definitely recommended!

Forgotten 43 Brewing

Located in Stratford at the beginning of the Forgotten World Highway, a group of enthusiastic friends, with a taste for quality craft beer in the spirit of those early settlers, are forging ahead with their passion to create quality craft beer.   With three of their beers, The Lost Track American Pale Ale, Black Gold Irish Milk Stout and Kraken Chilli Stout winning gold and two silvers respectively at Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards, and their popularity growing, they decided to open a bar across the street from their brewery.   It is a true passion project and all owners pitch in when needed.  You'll get a great overview of the brewing process and what it takes to put together each individual beer.  They have also collaborated with local producers to create some unique flavours.

Fenton St Gin & Vodka

Visit the Fenton Arts Collective where you’ll find art, coffee and a gin distillery! Their hand-crafted gin is produced in small batches, directed by the subjectivity of sommeliers, botanists and chefs.  When you meet Jo and Stuart, you will instantly feel the passion they have for all they do.  They are fantastic hosts and Stuart often can't resist jumping in on the gin tasting with his groups!  Being a great story teller (their latest gin is called 'The Merry Wives'!) you are sure to have a giggle or two while trying the variety of gin on offer.

Fairie Bread

Specialising in yummy sweet treats including Belgium biscuits, melting moments and treats for the younger customers, Liz (with support of her husband Josh, also a baker) operates out of a commercial kitchen based in Eltham.  When you walk into her kitchen, you are likely to see Liz working with her mixer, her trusty hand written recipe notebook by her side and a big smile on her face.  Liz loves creating sweet treats and you can tell as she is always quick whisk out one of her latest creations, which if you time it right, could be a speciality gin flavoured cheese cake!  Her latest creation however, is called marshmallow fluff - perfect for hot chocolates in winter!!

NZ Quinoa Co.

We are sure you will have seen their many products in supermarkets or may have caught their episode on Country Calendar.  This is a great family story with a real love of the land and desire to provide healthy and nutritious food for their own family.   Kate and Hamish's quinoa journey started around their breakfast table where an idea was sparked over a bowl of quinoa porridge.   Over more than two years of research and development, they discovered a passionate, helpful community of quinoa growers worldwide and knew they were on to something exciting.  While it is the wrong season to actually view the Quinoa on farm, this story and product itself was just too good to not include in Taranaki Taste and Tales.  So Kate and Hamish will share their tales at the Dunlop Woolshed.  You'll hear about the huge learning journey, from being sheep and beef farmers to growing a crop, choosing and trialling the variety of seed, to challenges such as controlling weeds naturally, finding the right harvesting machinery and investing in expensive machinery to sort it and trying to do it all while running the farm and looking after their young family.  If you haven't tried Quinoa before they will put a pretty convincing argument to you - high in protein, naturally gluten free, GMO free and a great source of dietary fibre. It also contains lots of minerals including calcium and magnesium, as well as antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory ‘phytonitrients’ it is also low GI.  Well, if that list hasn't won you over, then wait until they offer you a tasty sample.

Lunch Venue – Dunlop Woolshed

Enjoy a delicious lunch catered by Tairoa Lodge, in the woolshed which has not only hosted many parties and events over the years, but also key farming operations for Jan and Ross.