Black Barn Retreats & Vineyard | Hawkes Bay, NZ

On Valentines Day this year, Rich and I finally hosted a belated wedding dinner at Black Barn Bistro, and boy oh boy! What a picturesque setting to celebrate with family and friends. With the choice of drinks under a cooling canopy of vines, or basking in the the hot summer sun for the heliophiles amongst us, nothing quite beats a lazy summers evening with good food, music and company 🙂

As a semi-regular visitor to the Hawkes Bay region, the must-do’s on my list always involve a trip to Te Mata Peak, and it was (DJ) marvellous to view it from another angle at Poplars 7, one of Black Barn’s Retreats. We were treated to colourful sunrises and breathtaking views, and simply put, the most peaceful and relaxing stay I have ever experienced.

As an annual tradition of Secret Santa turned Galentines gift exchange, we held this years festivities up at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, our first in-person exchange since it all began in 2013! They serve a 3 course lunch in a beautiful building with sea views over their expansive property. Make sure you have a wander through all the carefully curated rooms in this luxury lodge for some serious home decor inspiration!