Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour: Blenheim Cellar Door Tastings & Scenic Drive
Spend an easy half-day exploring Marlborough’s vineyard lanes with guided tastings at three cellar doors. This compact tour pairs scenic driving with insider stories about soil, climate and winemaking.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book pickup information
Pickup is at Blenheim i-SITE around 12:15–12:30; confirm your accommodation when booking so the operator can plan the route.
Tasting etiquette
Expect small pours (20–50ml); pace yourself, ask questions, and discard pours in the spit bucket if you need to drive later.
Footwear and terrain
Cellar doors often have gravel or grassy yards—wear sturdy, flat shoes rather than open sandals.
Bring water
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated between tastings—NZ sun and wine can dehydrate faster than you think.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (unique museum a short drive from cellar doors)
- •Wither Hills Farm Park lookout (quick detour for sweeping views over vineyards)
Wildlife
- •Pīwakawaka (fantail)
- •Korimako (bellbird)
Conservation Note
Many vineyards in Marlborough use targeted irrigation and integrated pest management; ask cellar doors about their sustainability practices and bottle programs to reduce waste.
Marlborough’s commercial wine era began in the 1970s and exploded in the 1980s with Sauvignon Blanc that established the region on the world stage.
Photographer's Notes
- • Vine row leading lines from the service road
- • Cellar door patio with barrel stacks
- • Wither Hills ridge looking back toward Blenheim
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Stable shoes handle gravel cellar doors and short vineyard walks.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated keeps you sharp for tastings and the drive back to Blenheim.
Light jacket or windbreakerEssential
Spring breezes can be cool; layers let you adapt between sun and shade.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Open vineyards give little shade—protect your skin during midday travel.
Common Questions
Where does the tour pick up and drop off?
Pickup and drop-off are at Blenheim i-SITE; the stated pickup window is about 12:15–12:30 with drop-off around 16:30–17:00.
How many wineries will we visit?
The tour visits three wineries, each offering a guided tasting—expect a mix of iconic and boutique cellar doors.
Is this suitable for children or infants?
Infants and small children in strollers are accommodated, but tastings are designed for adults and the operator requests one booking per party.
Can I bring my own food or request dietary accommodations?
If you have dietary restrictions, note them at booking; most cellar doors can accommodate simple requests but advanced notice helps.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund cancel at least 24 hours before departure; cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour is described as physically easy and generally accessible, but individual cellar doors vary—contact the operator ahead to confirm accessibility at specific locations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Blenheim, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light activity; fine for most fitness levels but you should be able to stand and walk short distances over uneven ground.
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