Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour: Four Cellar Doors & Wairau Valley Views
Spend an easy afternoon tasting four of Marlborough’s cellar doors, traveling from Picton or Blenheim through the sunlit Wairau Valley. This small-group tour blends geology, history and hands-on tastings — everything you need to know before you go.
The Experience
Before You Go
Confirm pickup location and time
Pickups vary between central Picton and Blenheim; double-check your pickup point and be ready 15 minutes early.
Hydrate before tastings
Drink water between stops and bring a reusable bottle — tasting rooms may not provide free water on board.
Plan for no full lunch
There’s no scheduled lunch stop; bring snacks or purchase a cheese plate at a cellar door if you need more than tastings.
Mind ferry and cruise timings
If arriving by Interislander ferry at 12:15 or on a cruise ship, check with the operator — tight timings can make the tour impractical.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (great add-on if you extend your day)
- •A quiet picnic spot on the Wairau River bend near the Wither Hills with vineyard views
Wildlife
- •tūī (songbird often heard among shelter belts)
- •kererū (native wood pigeon visiting fruiting shelter trees)
Conservation Note
Many vineyards use sustainable practices, including shelter belts to support native birds and careful water management to protect the Wairau aquifer.
Marlborough’s commercial wine industry accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s, with Sauvignon Blanc and later Pinot Noir establishing the region internationally.
Photographer's Notes
- • Rows of vines with the Wither Hills in the background
- • Cellar door tasting bench for candid portraits
- • Roadside lookout over the Wairau Valley for wide panoramas
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Light walking shoes for gravel paths and short vineyard strolls.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated between tastings — many hosts encourage sipping water between pours.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)Essential
The sun on the Wairau Valley is strong; protect skin during outdoor vineyard stops.
Light jacket or wind layer
Even afternoons can be breezy from Cook Strait; a windproof layer keeps you comfortable.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
This is a half-day tour lasting approximately 4–5 hours, visiting four wineries.
Are tastings included?
Yes — standard tasting fees at the included cellar doors are covered in the tour price.
Is there a lunch break?
There is no formal lunch stop; some cellar doors sell small eats or cheese plates you can purchase.
Can I book if arriving by ferry or cruise?
If your Interislander ferry arrives at 12:15 you likely won’t make the Picton tour; cruise passengers should check timings with the operator before booking.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by cellar door; contact the operator with specific requirements prior to booking so they can advise on suitable stops.
What is the group size?
The tour is small-group with a maximum of 11 participants, offering a more personal experience.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Blenheim, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks around cellar doors and periods of standing during tastings.
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