Private Marlborough Wine Tour from Picton: Cloudy Bay & Boutique Cellar Doors
Leave Picton behind for a chauffeured day through Marlborough’s sunlit vineyards. Visit Cloudy Bay and boutique cellar doors, enjoy a vineyard lunch, and learn how soil and sea shape some of New Zealand’s most distinctive wines.
The Experience
Before You Go
Reserve Cloudy Bay early
Cloudy Bay tasting slots fill fast—book the cellar door in advance or ask the guide to secure a timeslot to avoid disappointment.
Pace your pours
Sip deliberately and spit when needed so you can enjoy multiple wineries without getting drunk; drivers will appreciate it.
Sun protection for exposed vineyards
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat—the vineyards offer little shade, especially in summer.
Cruise-timing logistics
If arriving by cruise, follow the supplier’s pickup instructions at Picton I-Site and allow extra time for return-to-ship transfer.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Rapaura Road boutique cellar doors and artisan producers
- •Renwick village tasting rooms and a short walk to local food stalls
Wildlife
- •Tūī (songbird) flitting among shelterbelts
- •Pīwakawaka (fantail) hunting along vineyard edges
Conservation Note
Many wineries practice sustainable water use and habitat plantings; support producers who prioritize native shelterbelts and waste-reduction measures.
Commercial viticulture in Marlborough expanded rapidly from the 1970s; Cloudy Bay’s international success in the 1980s cemented the region’s reputation for crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Photographer's Notes
- • Cloudy Bay cellar door terrace overlooking vineyards
- • Wither Hills roadside viewpoint above Renwick
- • Picton waterfront with ferries and mountain backdrop
What to Bring
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Gravel at many cellar doors and short vineyard walks make supportive shoes useful.
Sunscreen & sunglassesEssential
Marlborough is exposed and sunny—protect skin and eyes during outdoor tastings.
Small daypack
Carries water, purchases, and a light jacket between venues.
Compact camera or smartphone
For vineyard vistas and cellar-door details; ask permission before photographing interiors.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The private tour runs about 5–6 hours (300–360 minutes), visiting 3–4 venues including time for a winery lunch.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes—guides accommodate preferred wineries, gin or beer stops, and timing requests when possible.
Is pickup available from cruise ships?
Yes—the operator meets cruise passengers near the Picton I-Site; follow the supplier’s pickup instructions to the ‘prebooked tours’ flag.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included; the tour stops at a winery for lunch and you pay on the day.
Are tastings limited to 18+?
Yes—New Zealand law restricts alcohol consumption to guests aged 18 and over.
What if I want to buy bottles?
Most cellar doors sell bottles and will pack them for travel; consult the guide about shipping or storing purchases for cruise reboarding.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5–6 hours
Location
Picton, Marlborough
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated and short walks on gravel at cellar doors.
Ready to Explore Picton?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now