Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour: 3-Cellar Door Tastings & Vineyard Lunch (4 hrs)
Spend an unhurried afternoon in Marlborough visiting an award-winning vineyard restaurant and two cellar doors. This four-hour tour pairs reserve tastings with vineyard stories and intimate groups—perfect for travelers who want depth, not just volume.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring ID for tastings
Carry government-issued ID if you plan to sample wines—tastings are included but subject to legal age checks.
Book central Blenheim pickup
Pickup is provided from central Blenheim—if you’re staying outside the central area (e.g., Picton or Havelock), confirm pickup before booking.
Pace your tastings
Sip and swill; ask for spit buckets if you’re driving or tasting a lot—this keeps your palate clear for the full tour.
Lunch is pay-as-you-go
The first stop includes a vineyard restaurant where lunch is optional and not included in the tour price—budget accordingly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ask for library or reserve pours—small producers sometimes bring limited-release wines not on the regular list.
- •Drive a short detour to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre if you have extra time in Blenheim—historic aircraft offer a striking contrast to vineyard landscapes.
Wildlife
- •New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka) flitting through vineyard hedgerows
- •Occasional sheep or grazing cattle on nearby hill pastures
Conservation Note
Many Marlborough producers practice sustainable viticulture—cover crops, reduced tillage and water-efficient irrigation are common to protect soil and river systems.
Marlborough’s modern wine industry grew rapidly after the 1970s when cool-climate varieties like Sauvignon Blanc proved commercially successful; many vineyards here blend European traditions with local innovations.
Photographer's Notes
- • Vineyard restaurant terrace overlooking vine rows
- • Between trellises near the sample vineyard block
- • Cellar-door tasting counter for maker portraits and barrel room shots
What to Bring
Comfortable shoesEssential
You’ll step in and out of the vehicle and onto gravel or lawns at cellar doors.
Light jacket or windbreakerEssential
Even sunny afternoons can be breezy between rows of vines.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Hydrate between tastings—water keeps your palate fresh and prevents dehydration.
Small daypack
Handy for storing purchases, camera, and a layer during the tour.
Common Questions
Are tastings included in the tour price?
Yes—standard cellar-door tasting fees are included; lunch and any extra bottle purchases are paid separately.
Can children join the tour?
No—children are not permitted on this afternoon tour.
Do you provide pickup and drop-off?
Yes—pickup from central Blenheim accommodations is included; pickups from outlying towns like Picton and Havelock are not available for this afternoon run unless pre-arranged.
How many people are on the tour?
Shared tours are limited to a maximum of 11 travelers to keep tastings personal and informative.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The vehicle is a standard air-conditioned minibus; accessibility depends on individual needs—contact the operator to discuss arrangements ahead of booking.
What should I wear?
Smart-casual with sturdy shoes for walking on gravel; bring a light jacket for wind or cooler cellar tastings.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Blenheim, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly seated transfers with short cellar-door walks
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