Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton: Wairau Valley Cellar Doors & Vineyard Lunch
Step off your cruise in Picton and spend a relaxed half-day chasing Marlborough’s best cellar doors. This guided tour visits 3–4 appointment-only wineries in the Wairau Valley, includes standard tastings, and offers a vineyard lunch option.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book ahead for appointment-only cellars
Many boutique cellar doors require advance notice; confirm your tour’s winery list before arrival to avoid substitutions.
Bring sun protection
The valley is exposed—pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses even on overcast days.
Lunch is pay-as-you-go
Tastings are included but vineyard lunches or platters are not—carry a card or cash for meal purchases.
Pace yourself on tastings
Expect multiple small pours over several stops—sip, spit, and hydrate between tastings to keep your palate fresh.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small family-run Pinot Noir producers where owners pour and explain cellar tricks
- •A roadside stop near the Wairau River for unobstructed views of old river gravels and vineyard alignments
Wildlife
- •New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka) flitting around cellar doors
- •Occasional shags or gulls along coastal stretches near Picton
Conservation Note
Many wineries here practice sustainable vineyard management, including water-efficient irrigation and soil conservation; visitors are encouraged to minimize waste and use provided recycling.
Marlborough’s modern wine era exploded in the 1970s when growers recognized the region’s gravel soils and cool-climate advantages—Sauvignon Blanc became internationally dominant soon after.
Photographer's Notes
- • Overlook on the Wairau Valley road for sweeping vine rows
- • Cellar door terraces looking over the vineyards
- • A roadside pullout near the Picton harbour for ship-and-valley juxtaposition
What to Bring
SunscreenEssential
Protects skin during vineyard strolls and transfers between cellar doors.
Light jacket or windbreakerEssential
Coastal winds and changing conditions mean a layer is handy year-round.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Cellar doors and vineyard paths are mostly flat but may have gravel or steps.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Hydrates between tastings; many operators will refill during the tour.
Common Questions
Are tasting fees included?
Yes—standard cellar door tasting fees at the wineries visited are included in the tour price.
Is lunch included?
No—lunch or vineyard platters are available but are paid for by guests on the day.
How many wineries will we visit?
The tour visits up to three to four appointment-only cellar doors, depending on timing and ship schedules.
Do you pick up from the cruise ship?
You’ll meet at the Picton I-Site where the free cruise shuttle drops passengers; guides meet guests at the yellow flag.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed on private tours and can join shared tours, but tastings are reserved for adults.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Picton, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; light walking and standing during tastings
Topics
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