Moutere Artisans: A celebration of creativity at annual Open Day

On Sunday, October 27, Upper Moutere will come alive as the Moutere Artisans welcome the public to their annual Spring Open Day. This much-anticipated day showcases talented artisans in Upper Moutere, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the best of local craftsmanship, food, wine and art.

The Open Day is a journey through historic Upper Moutere, where visitors can interact with artists, food producers, and winemakers in their natural element. With a wide range of creatives, from basket weavers to cheesemakers, the event celebrates the region’s creative spirit and rural charm.

For flower enthusiasts, Moutere Blooms will be a must-visit on the artisan trail. Typically open by appointment only, this is the first time Moutere Blooms is participating with a pop-up shop for the annual event. Owner Hannah is hosting and will be welcoming visitors to enjoy the vibrant blooms and unique garden products designed by her engineering husband. Moutere Blooms was established by the couple in 2020, and the two-acre oasis offers fresh flower bouquets, garden accessories, and more from their property. “I have been on the artisan trail quite a few times before, and it is a great day out,” says Hannah. “I love the feel of it, talking to people and look forward to getting immersed in the day!” With two acres of land, there is plenty of space for people to park up on a blanket and enjoy the view before they browse the beautiful products of Moutere Blooms.

Another highlight is the return of Neudorf Mushrooms, a small family-owned business specialising in growing mycorrhizal mushrooms in symbiosis with trees. As regular stall holders, Theres and Hannes bring their forest of 6,000 trees to your plate with spray- and fertiliser-free wild mushrooms. Being a weather-dependent business, and after a couple of less-than-ideal seasons, the team have missed the past few Open Days, but this year they will again be welcoming visitors with open arms. “We are very much looking forward to seeing our friends and customers again,” says Hannes.

“There will be hugs and smiles and a few product specials available on the day.” Visitors can learn about the process of Neudorf Mushrooms and stock up the pantry with a variety of items, from wild mushroom soup and pasta to risotto and salts.

For cheese lovers, Thorvald & Little River Estate Cheese will be showcasing their award-winning sheep and A2 cow’s milk cheeses, and as usual, will have a little surprise or two as well. Made in the scenic Neudorf Valley, Thorvald & Little River products are a perfect reflection of the beautiful fresh whole-milk from which they are handcrafted. Paired with wines from nearby vineyards such as Neudorf, Flaxmore, Moutere Hills and Gravity, it’s a sensory experience that truly celebrates the Moutere region’s terroir.

“The Thorvald & Little River crew look forward to Moutere Artisan Days because it’s always great to see familiar faces and the perfect occasion for us to meet and make new friends,” says owner Sue. “We love being able to tell our story and showcase our award-winning cheese onsite, right where it’s made. We love seeing the joy and smiles on people’s faces when they taste something new or unexpected.

Our amazing cheese-making team usually craft something special, just for Moutere Artisans Day, so we’re looking forward to tasting the outcome of this season’s secret creation.”

The Spring Open Day also offers a range of visual arts, including Michael MacMillan Sculptor & Country Homeware, Jo Smith Paeonies, and Bartlett & Gold Gallery. These artists will be displaying their handcrafted jewellery, sculptures, and homeware, inviting visitors to explore their creative worlds.

The event offers more than just an art show; it’s a complete day out with opportunities to enjoy gourmet foods such as Neudorf Black’s Garlic and Sausage Press Deli Co.’s charcuterie, all while taking in the natural beauty of the region.

A main map will be posted in the village outside The Old Post Office, and online maps and programmes are available on the Moutere Artisans website or from any of the participating artisans.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, the Moutere Artisans Spring Open Day is an experience not to be missed.

Moutere Artisans Open Day
Sunday 27 October, 10am - 4pm
moutereartisans.co.nz

MEET THE ARTISANS

Moutere Inn

Take a break during your day in the Moutere and visit New Zealand’s oldest pub. Enjoy craft beer, quality pub meals and very, very local wine. We’ll have four Peckham’s ciders on tap, and some German-inspired lunch snacks, to celebrate what will be our 174th birthday!

1406 Moutere Highway, Upper Moutere | moutereinn.co.nz

Neudorf Black

From their award-winning Black Honey, Black Garlic Puree and BBQ sauce through to the other family favourites – the whole range from Neudorf Black is gluten-free and delivers on flavour. Take a tour of the black garlic kitchen on their farmlet and find out how it all happens!

92 Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere | 021 0806 0150

Bartlett and Gold Gallery

Bartlett and Gold Gallery is situated on a historic property in the centre of Upper Moutere Village. Ceramic artists Katie Gold and Owen Bartlett produce limited edition sculptural clay works and quite cool tableware. Moutere Artisans Open Day is the only time of year you can watch the action in the studio and wander through the rambling gardens.

1380 Moutere Highway, Upper Moutere | bartlettandgoldgallery.co.nz

Neudorf Vineyards

One Grape, Three Ways. This month Neudorf co-releases three Single Vineyard Organic Chardonnays. Each tells its own story and embodies Neudorf’s minimal-intervention philosophy and the unique character of the Moutere Clays. Drop in on Moutere Artisans Day to experience this world-class trio with one of our picnic baskets in the sunshine.

138 Neudorf Road, RD2 Upper Moutere, New Zealand | 03 543 2643 | neudorf.co.nz

Moutere Hills Restaurant & Cellar Door

Local flavours meet idyllic vineyard views. Our chefs create seasonal plates, long boards, platters and more, served with craft beverages for a complete dining experience to ignite your senses. Bookings essential.

Open Wed – Sun, 11am – 4pm and Fridays 11am – late.

03 543 2288 | 42 Eggers Road, RD1, Upper Moutere | mouterehillsrestaurantandcellardoor.co.nz

Flaxmore Vineyards

TASTE – outstanding wines from one of the Moutere’s newest wine labels from an established family vineyard.

WALK – explore the vineyard for stunning views across the Moutere Valley to the Kahurangi Ranges and beyond.

ART – enjoy a visit to our unique gallery.

24 Flaxmore Road, Upper Moutere | flaxmore.co.nz | 027 527 8680

Moutere Blooms

My husband and I bought our two-acre Moutere property six years ago, where we cherish our country lifestyle with our three children. We have established a little oasis and country garden in the heart of Upper Moutere, and we welcome the public to come and visit. We sell a range of products, including freshly bunched bouquets, plants, seedlings, garden accessories, indoor and outdoor plant supports, bird feeders and much more.

Open by appointment only [email protected]

Jo Smith Paeonies

Take a stroll through our peony fields and enjoy our selection of natural peony skincare products. We will have cut flowers and the last of this year’s tubers available so you can grow your own at home. We will also have our Moutere-grown saffron, along with our popular saffron brownie (with the recipe included)!

111 Kelling Road, Upper Moutere | 021 298 0291 | josmithpaeonies.nz

Thorvald and Little River Estate

Taste award-winning sheep and cow cheeses made by Thorvald and Little River Estate. Take some home and create a grazing platter with goodies made by fellow Moutere Artisan producers. If you can’t visit us, you can taste our cheese and find our products from local producers at The Junction, Old Factory Corner. A great opportunity to try something new.

226 Neudorf Road, Upper Moutere