Do the tours visit the same wineries daily?

No, Marlborough Wine Tours rotates visits among a broad selection of cellar doors to provide fresh experiences and support a variety of producers.

Is Cloudy Bay Vineyard included in the tour?

Due to group size restrictions, Cloudy Bay may not be visited during peak season, but other excellent wineries fill the itinerary.

What makes Marlborough Wine Tours a great choice?

With 20 years of experience, fully licensed vehicles, and passionate guides, they combine safety, education, and enjoyable tasting experiences.

Can I book last-minute tours?

Online bookings have cut-off times, but calling the company directly may secure availability for short-notice tours.

Can guests request specific wineries?

Outside busy periods, the tour can accommodate preferences, though group diversity and operating schedules may impact requests.

Is it possible to book for just one person?

Tours require a minimum of two guests; however, the company may assist single travelers depending on existing bookings.

Marlborough Wine Tours: Beyond the Vines Full-Day Experience

Marlborough, on New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned internationally for its crisp, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and diverse varietals that thrive in its sun-soaked, well-drained plains. This region’s unique climate and soil create a distinctive wine-growing environment, where large gravelly riverbeds and cool ocean breezes shape the grapes’ character. Marlborough Wine Tours invites visitors to immerse themselves in this terroir on the Beyond the Vines full-day wine tasting journey.

Departing from Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough’s wine country, this 6.5-hour tour navigates through five different wineries, each carefully selected to highlight the region's blend of innovative boutique producers and established estates. Visitors are treated to a range of varietals—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir—alongside some lesser-known local gems. The tour features a relaxing vineyard walk where local experts share the history of Marlborough’s viticulture, vine care, and production techniques.

The route reveals Marlborough’s evolving wine culture through landscapes punctuated by vineyards stretching toward distant ranges under expansive blue skies. One stop doubles as a lunchtime cellar door, offering guests the chance to indulge in local cuisine (lunch cost is additional). Beyond the taste sensations, the guides delve into the stories behind the wines and the people who craft them, making the experience both educational and engaging.

What sets Marlborough Wine Tours apart is their commitment to authentic, accessible storytelling paired with seamless logistics—including hotel pick-up from Blenheim, Picton, or Waikawa, and small groups that foster connection and conversation. Fully licensed and adhering to transport safety standards, they provide a worry-free way to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic wine regions.

For travelers keen to understand the nuances of New Zealand’s signature wine region while soaking in its scenic vistas and meeting passionate winemakers, Beyond the Vines offers a comprehensive and insightful adventure that’s as much about place as it is about palate.

About Marlborough Wine Tours

Marlborough Wine Tours is a Picton-based operator offering guided wine experiences across the Marlborough region. The company runs a range of curated itineraries from half‑day visits to full‑day programs that combine cellar‑door tastings, winery lunches and scenic cruising in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Tours depart from Picton and Blenheim and include small‑group options limited to 11 guests as well as private guided tours for two to six people. Guided experiences cover four to six cellar doors per itinerary with opportunities to sample flagship varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, plus optional gin and beer tastings.

Transport varies by product and includes climate‑controlled minivans, chauffeur‑driven Mercedes SUVs and a full‑day catamaran cruise that links Picton to coastal winery locations like Ships Cove. Shore excursion options are tailored for cruise passengers and include timely returns.

On half‑day and full‑day tours guests walk through vineyards, learn local winemaking history from experienced guides and enjoy regional produce at winery restaurants or shared platters. Private tours offer flexible departure times, bespoke winery selections and the freedom to set the pace across up to six cellar doors.

Marlborough Wine Tours emphasizes local knowledge, structured itineraries and live commentary to deliver an informative tasting experience. The operator’s mix of small-group and private products, combined with multiple departure points and clear notes about cruise‑ship timing, supports confident booking for visitors seeking reputable Marlborough wine tasting and cellar‑door discovery.

Booking information and pickup options are available for central Picton and central Blenheim accommodations. Please check availability before booking.