Is wine tasting included in the tour cost?

Yes, all wine tasting fees at the wineries visited are included in the tour price.

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated at lunch?

Yes, the vineyard restaurant can cater to most dietary needs if informed in advance.

Do I need to have prior wine knowledge to enjoy the tour?

No prior knowledge is required; the guide provides informative insights suited to all levels.

Is transportation provided for hotel pick-up?

Yes, pick-up and drop-off from accommodation in Blenheim and Renwick are included.

Can the tour itinerary be customized?

Guests can select preferred wineries or rely on the guide’s recommendations for a personalized experience.

Are private tours available for families or groups?

Yes, the Deluxe Private Driving Wine Tour can accommodate family groups and private parties.

Deluxe Private Wine Tour with Explore Marlborough

Marlborough, located at New Zealand’s northeastern South Island, is world-renowned for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and boutique wineries set amidst sweeping vineyards and rugged hills. Explore Marlborough’s Deluxe Private Driving Wine Tour offers an immersive way to engage with this distinctive wine region in unparalleled comfort and style. Over a full day, guests are chauffeured in a deluxe vehicle to more than five handpicked wineries, combining the charm of iconic estates with lesser-known boutique producers.

This isn’t your typical tasting circuit. The tour’s highlight is a private Wine Experience tailored exclusively for the group, whether that means a behind-the-scenes winery tour, an intimate tasting session, or a curated wine-and-food pairing crafted by local experts. These experiences are off the standard visitor path, unlocking a deeper understanding of Marlborough’s terroir and winemaking craft.

Guided by knowledgeable hosts deeply familiar with the region’s viticulture and landscapes, the journey pulses with stories of vineyard heritage and sustainable practices that define Marlborough’s evolving wine identity. Rolling hills covered in vines, flanked by native bush and distant mountain ranges, provide a striking backdrop throughout the day.

Lunch is served at a vineyard restaurant with sweeping views over the estate’s green rows and the valleys beyond, giving visitors a chance to savor the region’s fresh seasonal produce alongside stellar local vintages.

For travelers based in Blenheim or Renwick, this tour offers personalized pick-up and drop-off service, allowing complete focus on enjoying the wines and scenery without worry. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, Explore Marlborough’s Deluxe Private Driving Wine Tour turns a day of wine tasting into a refined and authentic Marlborough adventure.

About Explore Marlborough

Explore Marlborough is a Rapaura-based tour operator specialising in wine country experiences across Marlborough. The company runs guided and self-guided biking and driving wine tours, half-day and full-day options, private bespoke itineraries, and winter-season experiences tailored to weather conditions. Tours include e-biking and conventional cycling, scenic coastal routes through the Awatere Valley, cellar-door tastings, boutique distillery stops, and gourmet picnic or a la carte lunch options.

Guided experiences range from half-day e-bike trips with small groups to full-day adventures for experienced cyclists that include a visit to Yealands Estate for a winery tour and tasting. Self-guided packages provide hire options for three-hour, half-day, and full-day rides with van support available for wet weather and logistics. Private and deluxe offerings include chauffeured driving tours, bespoke multi-vineyard days, corporate incentive programs, and optional helicopter transfers for elevated views of the region.

Local guides bring practical knowledge of Marlborough vineyards, tasting etiquette, and route navigation, while partnerships with regional vineyards and producers ensure authentic cellar-door access. Safety measures and support vehicles are available for guided and self-guided guests. Explore Marlborough’s presence in Rapaura positions it close to major vineyard trails and coastal scenery, making it straightforward for visitors based in Blenheim and the wider Marlborough region to access tours. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the operator emphasizes curated tasting experiences, small-group attention, and flexible logistics to suit varied skill levels and travel styles. Bookings are available online with clear cancellation policies and detailed itinerary information for each tour type and flexible scheduling options.