Monte Christo Gardens

I’m a fan of ‘real fruit’ ice creams, and have taken on the task of testing out a few in the region this summer. One favourite spot was at Monte Christo Gardens, just a short drive from Clyde. The gardens are known for being the original site of the vineyard of Jean Desire Feraud, the French gold miner who first planted vines and made wine in Central Otago in the 1860s. Although the vines are no longer there, the gardens and cafe (opens for the summer) are owned and run by local couple Estelle and Graeme. They have a raspberry farm that you can PYO when in season. I usually go with the frozen yoghurt option, and in combination with their home grown raspberries, delicious on a hot summer day.