What to do and see in Marlborough Region, South Island: The Best Wine Tours & Tastings

July 11, 2021 Hector Krause

The fertile soil and temperate climate of the Wairau River Valley provide the perfect conditions for a wine lover's paradise. Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with its majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.
Restaurants in Marlborough Region

1. Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 10:20am and returning at 4:30pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance. Your tour is custom-made to include any of your requests and your chauffeur/guide can recommend the very best highlights of Marlborough. Our local cuisine at our winery cafes and restaurants is a total experience where you could taste our local mussels and salmon. Lunch is at your cost, however all wine tasting fees are included.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

2. Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Blenheim at 11:00 am and returning at 4:00 pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the record for the longest sunshine hours in New Zealand. There are plenty of sensational wines, gourmet delights and stunning scenic landscapes all year round for you to enjoy. Indoor and outdoor itineraries are custom made to suit your day. Travel in comfort with your tour guide, a local owner with experience and knowledge to share. Relax and enjoy the sunshine with views of the snowy mountain tops in the distance.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

3. Progressive Wine and Gourmet Summer Trail of Marlborough

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching wine taste. A complimentary glass of 'bubbly' at your first gourmet tasting and a glass of menu matching wine at your mid day stop. Summer Season produce is available to taste at roadside stalls and as part of your progressive menu through the day. Take in the breath-taking  scenic landscapes as you travel from place to place or relax at each winery venue. As the sun sets you will be able to relax back with your last course of the trail before heading back to your accommodation. Please note that the attractions listed are not limited to....Honey Company for tasting, Oils, liqueurs, craft beers and cheeses are all available. The tour includes an option for a mid town wine and tapas stop at the conclusion of your day.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Complimentary chocolates and gift, Lunch, Snacks

Exclusions: Beverages and food over and above the Inclusion value are available for purchase

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

4. Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  Enjoy the wineries or mix and match the day with exciting options. From the Port of Picton your local chauffeur/guide will meet you at the Picton Visitors Centre near the vehicle to take you on a scenic journey through to Blenheim and the famous wine region. Savour our local cuisine in a winery garden café or enjoy a wine with a cheese, meat, seafood platter overlooking our stunning Wairau Valley. Later, visit a chocolate boutique. Ride with peace of mind with flexible drop off to suit your ships scheduled departure. This tour has been created due to the demand for larger but small personal groups of a maximum of 11. A comfortable 11 seat Mini Tour Van is provided for your pleasure.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Convenient complimentary bus shuttle to your tour vehicle and back to ship, Basic wine tasting fees, Complimentary chocolates, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Lunch at own cost due to varying appetites

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

5. Wine Gourmet and Scenic Mini Group Tour for 8-9 seats

Your Local Chauffeur
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Marlborough wines and Marlborough gourmet treats are the highlight of this tour.  When you want a small group and a comfy small mini van style for you and your friends this is the tour for you! No more than 9 seats  gives you a relaxed and personal experience tasting delicious wines and hearing about our great wine and food region that sets the amazing passion and memories for your visit. The scenic journey along the way will knock your socks off (astound you!) and you have the option of enjoying the beautiful water ways of the Marlborough Sounds and tasting our local seafood sensations with wine of course. If you are staying in Blenheim or Picton you are picked up from your accommodation and returned at the conclusion of your tour. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By 676nataliew

This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!

6. 1/2 day Marlborough wine tour, lunch stop at a winery (5hrs) Blenheim or Renwick

Na Clachan Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Start the day with collection from your location at 12pm for the Blenheim area. 1/2 day wine tour with lunch lasting about 5 hours. Start with a beautiful winery lunch (at own cost) and tasting then visit another 3 or 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.   Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process.

Inclusions: All standard tasting fees at wineries visited, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch is an extra cost to allow personal selection

Reviewed By kjb1967

One of the best guided tours we have done and we have done a few! Chris is very friendly and extremely knowledgable. A great day out and would highly recommend to others.

7. Half day Marlborough wine tour without lunch (4 hours) from Blenheim or Renwick

Na Clachan Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Start the day with collection from your location at 1pm for the Blenheim area. 1/2 day wine tour without lunch lasting about 4 hours. Visit approximately 4 wineries in the afternoon. All standard tasting fees included. A fun afternoon while being educated by our experienced guides. Enjoy the various grape varieties and wines that Marlborough has to offer while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Wairau Valley.   Learn about the history of the region and maybe challenge yourself on varieties of grapes and types of wines you may not be familiar with. During the tour your guide will introduce each of the wineries and give the history of the region. Time permitting a talk in the vineyard discussing the way Marlborough tends the vines. If you have any special requests please enter these during the booking process.

Inclusions: All standard tasting fees at wineries visited

Exclusions: Any food you may wish to buy during the tour

Reviewed By kjb1967

One of the best guided tours we have done and we have done a few! Chris is very friendly and extremely knowledgable. A great day out and would highly recommend to others.

8. Blenheim Half day Wine Tour

Jade Tours
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5.0 based on 45 reviews

Travel in a luxury minibus to the famous cellar doors of Marlborough on this approx. 5-hour tour. Compare the aromas of Marlborough's finest wines and taste the passion that goes into every bottle; then visit the barrel rooms and chat about viticulture and wine making. You will visit up to five wineries ranging from the internationally famous to boutique, family-run estates. Finish the day with a nibble of hand made gourmet chocolates at our chocolate factory.

Inclusions: Pick up and return to your Blenheim accommodation (Picton $50 per group), Expert local guides, Small group tours for that personal experience, All standard tasting fees, Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch at own cost, Any wine purchases

Reviewed By B3342BDcarolynp

Mike is a fantastic host - the first question he asked us is what type of wine we like and he tailored the tour to suit us. He has an enormous amount of local knowledge and made the tour interesting and informative.

9. Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.

The Vines Village, 193 Rapaura Road, Blenheim 7273, New Zealand Explore Marlborough Wine Tours
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Discover the beauty of Marlborough your way. Rent a bike from us and enjoy your own self-guided wine tour. We’ll set you up with quality equipment and send you on your way with all the  recommendations, tips and hints you need to craft your own unforgettable Marlborough wine adventure. Your full day bike hire includes a bike, helmet, hi-viz vest wine map and pick up from your local accommodation. Pick up is at 9.30am and we have you back to your accommodation about 5pm.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Accommodation pickup and drop-off within Blenheim / Renwick region., Hire of bicycle, helmet, hi-viz vest and lock., Wine map with our recommendations on wineries, cycle trails and lunch spots

Exclusions: Winery tasting fees are not included., Lunch not included

Reviewed By Stay51071400175

Great enjoyable bike hire right in the heart of wine country. It was easy and they even picked our wine up for us directly so we didn’t have to carry it. 10/10

10. Full Day Winemaker's Tour in Marlborough

Hop n Grape Tours
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5.0 based on 82 reviews

With a winemaker as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a modern working winery where you can taste grape juice fresh from the press, sample a young Pinot Noir from the barrel, or try a freshly filtered Sauvignon Blanc. You can ask all those curly questions, and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. Next, we’ll get up close and personal with the Marlborough wine region and you’ll taste any delight that isn’t tied down. In our full day tour you visit 4-6 wineries which can include local breweries, with over 40 cellar doors to choose from, if you’ve got a favourite we’ll do our best to get you there. Lunch at a vineyard restaurant is always a highlight. There is opportunity to do a Cheese tasting, Olive oil tasting or a visit to Makana Chocolate Shop. Visit 4-6 wineries.

Inclusions: All wine tasting fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free door-to-door collection and drop off from Blenheim/Renwick areas, Picton, Havelock, Rarangi transfers may be available with additional charge., Lunch stop during the tour - at your own cost

Exclusions: Lunch - at your own cost on the day, Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes (no heels) for our winery visit, Note: We encourage our guests to have a good breakfast before the wine tour.

Reviewed By Jo D

Absolutely recommend Cam! If your visiting the Blenheim region and want the nicest and most knowledgeable guy in town - Cam your man! Thank you for the the best day ever Cam!

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