The Foodie Guide to Alexandra & Clyde

© Grey Ridge Wine & Vineyard Accommodation

Food Tours in Alexandra and Clyde

When it comes to foodie experiences, the wine scene in Alexandra and Clyde begs to be savoured. The region is home to more than 10 boutique wineries, many opening their cellar doors for tastings, purchases; some for platters and some to stay the night! Visit them independently using the 10 Best Wineries in Alexandra. Alternatively, let someone else worry about the driving and setting the itinerary on a relaxing wine tour with Vine2Wine Uncorked or a 4WD bespoke wine tour with Rock and Tussock Safaris. Grey Ridge Vineyard, Hawkdun Rise Vineyard and Legacy Vineyard also offer accommodation in their vineyards, which tend to include at least a complimentary glass of wine up to a full vineyard tour for guests.

If you’re more of a beer drinker, then you won’t feel shortchanged in Alexandra and Clyde. Treat your tastebuds to the hoppy flavours of Ferris Road Brewery’s beers, open Thursday to Sunday for beer tastings accompanied by pizzas, wine, coffee and more. In Clyde, don’t miss The Victoria Store Brewery inside a 125-year-old gold miners store now a two-storey gravity-fed brewery with a bar, restaurant, cafe and accommodation on-site. More beer highlights include Manuherekia Brewery, found at the local markets and beer festivals, and Dark Horse Brew Werkz inside the grounds of the Omakau Commercial Hotel along the Otago Central Rail Trail.

For a foodie experience that’s more family-friendly, why not sample the fresh fruit of Monte Christo Raspberry Cafe?! Pop in to pick your own raspberries, indulge in berry fruit desserts and ice cream at the cafe or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience at their tea shop.

For more foodie experiences, like the Alexandra Friday Food and Produce Market, check out the 5 Things to Do in Alexandra & Clyde for Foodies.

© NZPocketGuide.com

The Best Restaurants in Alexandra and Clyde

In a region awash in orchards and vineyards, you can hardly beat the freshness of Central Otago’s cuisine. One of the must-do restaurants in the area is Olivers (34 Sunderland Street, Clyde). Located in Clyde, the award-winning restaurant is set in the charming heritage setting with three eateries in this complex: the fine dining and local fare of Olivers Restaurant, the casual dining of the Merchant of Clyde Cafe, Deli & Bakery, and the Olivers Bar pouring beer straight from their in-house brewery.

Clyde is also home to Paulina’s Restaurant & Bar (6 Naylor Street), which draws inspiration from Spanish, Italian, Japanese cuisine to create a menu of wholesome food. Enjoy alfresco dining on the expansive patio or cosy up in a booth with “windows” and “overhead luggage compartments” drawing on the theme of a pioneering railroad.

Cosy cafes inside charming historical buildings are also a staple of Alexandra and Clyde, with some of our top picks including the Post Office Cafe & Bar (2 Blyth Street, Clyde), The Bank Cafe (31-33 Sunderland Street) and The Court House Cafe & Bar (8 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra). We also love the giant maze and gardens to accompany the contemporary lunches and homemade baking of The Orchard Garden & Maze (576 Dunstan Road, Alexandra).

Finally, if you’re passing through the historic gold-rush village of Ophir, stop by Pitches Store for its inventive menu of regionally inspired cuisine amidst the schist stone building and upcycled decor of this historic building.

For more recommendations, see more fine dining in The Luxury Guide to Alexandra & Clyde and cheap eats in The Guide to Alexandra & Clyde on a Budget.

© James Jub - Destination Central Otago

Alternative Things to Do in Alexandra and Clyde

While beer, orchards and especially wine are the main focus of Alexandra and Clyde’s offerings, you can’t visit these towns without, for instance, cycling one of the country’s “Great Rides”! There’s something for everyone here, so complement your itinerary with the additional things to do in Alexandra and Clyde to suit your style, including:

• Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail
• Cycle the Roxburgh Gorge Trail
• Or hit the Clutha Gold Trail
• Hike to the Alexandra Mountain Clock
• Blast down the Clutha River on a jet boat tour
• Explore the Jolendale Park arboretum
• Do a 4WD safari of the surrounding mountain ranges
• Visit the Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery

… And so much more! Check out the 10 Alexandra & Clyde Must-Dos for more details on these activities and more.