Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour with vineyard lunch

An Authentic Day Exploring Wairarapa’s Food and Wine Scene

Imagine a day where you leave Wellington’s bustling streets behind and venture into the scenic, rolling landscapes of the Wairarapa. For about 8 hours, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride through the Remutaka Ranges, stopping at a series of carefully curated tasting locations—wine, cheese, olive oil, beer, and chocolates—culminating in a delicious vineyard lunch. The Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour offers a chance to slow down, savor local flavors, and learn about the area’s agricultural treasures from knowledgeable guides like Phil, who many reviews praise for their engaging commentary.

What we love about this tour is the personalized experience—with small groups of 11 or fewer, you’re not just another face in a crowd. You get the chance to really connect with the hosts at each tasting, whether it’s the passionate winemaker sharing the secrets of viticulture or the cheesemaker explaining the nuances of their craft. Plus, the scenic drive over the mountains offers stunning views, making the journey as memorable as the stops.

One thing to keep in mind is that, because the tour includes many tastings and activities, it’s best suited for adults who enjoy a relaxed pace and are happy to sample a variety of products. Travelers looking for a more active or fast-paced experience might find it a bit leisurely, but that’s exactly what makes it special for those wanting an authentic, taste-focused day.

This tour truly shines for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone eager to explore New Zealand’s culinary delights with a local guide who loves sharing their knowledge. It’s especially recommended for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and a well-rounded introduction to Wairarapa’s foodie scene.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention.
• Diverse tastings include wine, cheese, olive oil, beer, and chocolates.
• Scenic drive over the Remutaka Ranges adds visual appeal.
• Expert guides like Phil provide engaging insights into local products.
• Vineyard lunch offers a relaxed, delicious highlight.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off in Wellington make planning easier.

A Deep Dive into the Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour

The Itinerary: A Well-Balanced Taste of Wairarapa

Starting at the Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, the tour kicks off at 9:30 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day. As you settle into a private vehicle, your guide will point out scenic vistas and share snippets of regional history—expect a comfortable, engaging ride over the Remutaka Ranges. We appreciated the short stop at the Summit, where the views are stunning and a quick photo opportunity.

The first tasting stop is at C’est Cheese in Featherston, renowned for its selection of local and imported cheeses and gourmet foods. This gives you a solid introduction to the region’s dairy excellence—something cheese lovers will especially enjoy. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the variety and quality of the cheese offerings, with one reviewer noting it as a “perfect blend of different experiences in a small group.”

Next, you’ll get the chance to visit a local vineyard, where a winemaker-led tour explains the journey from vine to wine. The tapas-style lunch in the cellar door is a standout—delicious bites paired with award-winning wines. One reviewer described the experience as “a fabulous day out,” emphasizing the value of tasting at an award-winning vineyard in a relaxed setting.

After lunch, a visit to Martinborough Brewery offers a chance to sample craft beers, choosing from any 4 taps of your preference. This is a fun and interactive tasting, often praised for the friendly shop owners and knowledgeable staff. For beer aficionados, it’s an excellent complement to the wine and cheese.

The next stop takes you among the oldest olive trees in Martinborough, where you’ll learn about olive varieties and the olive oil production process. Here, you’ll discover how to taste olive oil like a pro and incorporate it into quick recipes. Visitors find this part informative and engaging, with one commenting on the expert guidance at the tasting room.

Finally, the tour concludes at Schoc Chocolates, where a tasting of artisan chocolates provides a sweet finish. Many reviews rave about the quality and variety of products, adding a delightful end to a full day of tasting.

The Transportation and Group Size

Travel is by private vehicle, which means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about strangers. The small group size (max 11 travelers) makes for a more intimate experience, where the guides can tailor their commentary and answer your questions more easily. The comfort of the transportation and the timing—starting at 9:30 am and returning to Wellington—make it a practical choice for a full day of exploration.

The Experience: What Sets It Apart?

The engaging guides like Phil are consistently praised for their local knowledge and enthusiasm. As one reviewer said, “Phil does an incredible job of spotlighting small businesses,” which is what makes this tour stand out. You’re not just tasting; you’re learning about the people behind the products and their passion.

The variety of stops ensures that no two moments are the same—each location offers a different flavor of the region’s culinary offerings, making the day both educational and delicious. Many reviewers are impressed by the quality and freshness of the food and drink, especially noting the excellent wine selection and friendly shop owners.

The Cost and Value

At $194.33 per person, this tour offers excellent value for the amount of tastings, lunch, and guided insights you receive. When you consider that most tastings alone cost money at wineries, the all-inclusive pricing—covering cheese, wine, olive oil, beer, chocolates, and lunch—is quite reasonable. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off eliminate transportation worries, adding to the overall convenience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers, those curious about New Zealand’s regional specialties, and travelers who enjoy small-group settings and personalized interactions. It’s especially suited for adults, given the tasting components, and those keen to learn about local producers in a relaxed environment. If you’re seeking a day of indulgence combined with education, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Wellington, making it easy to fit into your day without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning to Wellington later in the day.

What should I wear?
Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since you might be walking around olive groves or vineyard grounds.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be advised at booking time.

Are alcohol tastings included in the price?
Yes, wine, beer, and chocolate tastings are included, along with the vineyard lunch. You can purchase additional products if desired.

Can I partake if I’m not of legal drinking age?
The minimum age for alcohol consumption in New Zealand is 18, so this tour is best suited for adults.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Absolutely. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the food tastings, olive oil, and chocolates, and the scenic drive.

What if the weather is poor?
Most activities are indoors or under cover, but the scenic drive over the mountains is weather-dependent. It’s worth checking the forecast and dressing accordingly.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 11 travelers or fewer for an intimate experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxed, immersive day exploring the culinary delights of Wairarapa, this tour offers genuine value. The combination of scenic drives, expert guides, small groups, and a variety of tastings makes it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of New Zealand’s local produce.

Travelers with an interest in wine, cheese, olive oil, beer, and chocolates will find plenty to love—each stop is thoughtfully selected for quality and authenticity. The vineyard lunch provides a perfect highlight, giving you time to enjoy your surroundings and reflect on the morning’s tastings.

While it’s best suited for adults who enjoy sampling and learning, the convivial atmosphere and personalized attention make it a memorable experience for anyone eager to explore the true flavors of the region. Whether you’re into gastronomic adventures or simply want a scenic, hassle-free day out, this tour makes a great choice.

In sum, the Martinborough Winery and Foodie Day Tour is a well-rounded, engaging introduction to the Wairarapa’s food and wine scene. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you with tasty memories, a deeper appreciation of local producers, and plenty of stories to share back home.