From Blenheim/Picton: Marlborough Gourmet Wine Tasting Tour

Imagine a day exploring New Zealand’s premier wine region, with its rolling vineyards, food delights, and breathtaking landscapes—all personalized to your tastes. Priced at $173 per person, this 6-hour guided tour offers a relaxed yet enriching experience, beginning from Blenheim or Picton. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll visit several wineries, indulge in tastings and gourmet treats, and enjoy spectacular vistas of land and sea.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its customizable itinerary—so you can focus on your favorite wines or foods—and its small group setting (limited to 8 participants), which makes for a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The chance to meet some of the region’s wine makers and sample a broad array of award-winning wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir adds real authenticity.

A minor consideration might be that the tour doesn’t include meals or drinks beyond the tastings, so if you’re looking for a full sit-down lunch or additional beverages, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Still, with the option to relax at scenic wineries and enjoy a cheese or seafood platter, this tour suits those who appreciate quality over quantity.

This tour is ideal for lovers of good wine, scenic landscapes, and gourmet foods—especially those who enjoy a flexible, small-group experience that can be tailored to their interests. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a balanced mix of education, leisure, and authentic regional flavors.

Key Points

Customizable itinerary allows you to focus on your favorite wines and foods.
Small group size (up to 8) ensures a personal experience and better interaction with guides.
Stunning views of Marlborough’s vineyards, land, and sea landscapes create memorable photo opportunities.
Meet local wine makers for insights into the region’s famous varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and more.
Gourmet tastings include local cheeses, honey, chocolates, and seasonal produce depending on the time of year.
Additional stops like the Makana Chocolate Factory and optional visits to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center add variety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Marlborough Gourmet Wine Tasting Tour

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What to Expect on the Day

The tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Blenheim or Picton—typically around 9:30am for Picton and 10:00am for Blenheim—giving you a relaxed start to your day. Your guide, often a local with extensive regional knowledge, will take you through the scenic Wairau Valley, a place famous for its award-winning wineries.

The itinerary is flexible, and your guide will work with you to tailor the experience. You might visit up to six wineries, each offering a different style and flavor profile, from crisp Sauvignon Blancs to velvety Pinot Noirs. Many wineries stay open year-round, so even in winter, your tasting plans are secure.

The Vineyards and Wineries

Each stop offers unique insights into the wine-making process. You’ll meet passionate wine makers and sample their creations—an opportunity to learn what makes Marlborough wines so special. As one reviewer notes, “Pamela, our guide, was very knowledgeable and fun. She gave us a lovely day tailored to our wishes.”

Expect to enjoy wine tastings in cellar doors that range from modern, stylish spaces to historic, rustic charm. Some wineries have beautiful garden cafes or chateau-style settings, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine and a cheese platter. You’ll love the way the vast landscape contrasts with the neatly maintained vineyards, providing photo-worthy views at every turn.

Gourmet Food and Seasonal Delights

Gourmet produce is a highlight—especially during the December to February months when fresh strawberries, cherries, apricots, and nectarines are in season. You’ll also find local cheeses, Manuka honey, oils, liqueurs, black garlic, and even peanut butter. Many reviews emphasize the quality and freshness of these delights, saying, “The lunch stop at Scott’s was wonderful, with a cheese, meat, and seafood platter that was just perfect.”

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Chocolate and Optional Extras

No visit to Marlborough’s food scene is complete without a stop at the Makana Confections Boutique Chocolate Factory. Here, you can indulge in divine chocolates, adding a sweet dimension to your day. Also, for history buffs, an optional visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center offers a fascinating detour, showcasing impressive WWI and WWII aircraft in scenic backdrops. Your guide can drop you off for a quick visit—ideal for those interested in a bit of history alongside their wine.

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The Atmosphere and Experience

One of the most praised aspects is the relaxed, friendly atmosphere fostered by guides like Pamela and Paul, who are often described as knowledgeable, fun, and attentive. “Pamela was a fantastic guide—friendly, informative, and she tailored the day beautifully,” says one guest. This personalized touch allows for a more meaningful experience, where your preferences truly shape the day.

Practical Details

Transportation is by luxury vehicle with a local chauffeur/guide, ensuring comfort and ease. The tour is limited to eight people, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for more interaction and personalized attention. The cost of $173 includes pick-up and drop-off, water, and basic wine tastings, but excludes meals and extra event fees, so plan accordingly.

Remember to bring sun protection—sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen—and comfortable walking shoes. ID is required for those over 18, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with remarks like “Pamela was very fun and very knowledgeable,” and appreciate the beautiful scenery and excellent wines. Many mention how the tour exceeded expectations, with some noting it was a personalized, relaxing day that felt more like visiting friends than a typical tour.

A standout quote: “Very enjoyable day visiting 4 cellar doors and the Gin Shack. Wonderful lunch stop at Scott’s. Guide/driver was knowledgeable and very friendly.” The reviews show that this experience is perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and enjoy in a laid-back setting.

The Value Proposition

At $173, the tour offers a balanced mix of guided expertise, personalized experience, and access to top wineries that would be difficult to replicate independently. If you’re a wine lover or foodie looking for an authentic, flexible way to explore Marlborough, this tour combines good value with a memorable day out.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and want to customize their day. It suits those who enjoy wine tasting and are curious about Marlborough’s renowned varietals. It’s also a good choice for foodies eager to sample local cheeses, honey, and chocolates, all while enjoying stunning scenery.

While it doesn’t include meals, the option to relax at scenic vineyards and enjoy local produce makes it a balanced choice for those who prefer quality over quantity. If you’re interested in history, the optional aviation center visit adds an extra layer of variety.

This tour is less suited for travelers on a tight schedule who want a quick overview, or those expecting a full meal included—though there are plenty of opportunities for a memorable lunch or snack along the way.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Blenheim or Picton, in a comfortable vehicle.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 8 participants, making it ideal for a small, personalized experience.

Are wine tastings included? Basic wine tasting fees are covered in the price. Additional tastings or experiences at certain wineries may incur extra costs.

Can I customize the itinerary? Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to your interests, with guides working to fit your preferences.

Is this tour suitable during winter? Yes, wineries stay open year-round, so the experience remains enjoyable regardless of the season.

What should I bring? Bring your ID (for 18+), comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera. Water is provided.

Can I visit the aviation center? You can opt for a quick drop-off at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center, with your guide returning to continue the main tour or picking you up later.

The Sum Up

The Blenheim/Picton: Marlborough Gourmet Wine Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded day exploring New Zealand’s top wine region. Its focus on personalization, small-group intimacy, and the opportunity to taste award-winning wines in stunning settings make it stand out. You’ll love the way guides like Pamela or Paul blend expertise with friendliness, making the experience feel like visiting friends rather than just another tour.

The combination of spectacular scenery, gourmet foods, and diverse wines provides a memorable taste of Marlborough’s charms. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply someone eager to enjoy New Zealand’s landscapes and flavors, this tour offers genuine value and authentic experiences.

While it doesn’t include full meals, the opportunity to sample local cheeses, chocolates, and seasonal produce more than compensates. Plus, the optional visits to the chocolate factory or aviation center add extra layers of enjoyment if you’re inclined.

This tour delivers a relaxed, educational, and delicious day that’s perfect for those who want a taste of Marlborough’s best without the fuss. It’s particularly suited for those who value small-group settings, personalized attention, and authentic regional flavors—making it a highlight of any South Island trip.