What’s included in the tour price?

All wine tastings, a three-course wine-paired lunch at Fidelio, guided tour by Bruce Thomas, transportation during the tour, and a visit to Makana Confections for chocolates are included.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, Fidelio can adapt the menu for most dietary needs if notified in advance during booking.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about 6 hours, starting in the late morning and ending in the afternoon.

Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy this tour?

No experience is necessary; Bruce makes the tour informative and enjoyable for all levels.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is provided directly from your accommodation within Blenheim.

What is the group size?

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 guests to keep the experience personal and relaxed.

Explore Marlborough's Wine Country: An Unforgettable South Island Wine Tour with Paired Lunch | Guided Tour | Food Tour

Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest and most famous wine region, is a land where sprawling vineyards meet stunning natural beauty. Known worldwide for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Pinot Noirs, this South Island destination invites travelers to experience its distinctive terroir through a carefully curated wine tour led by local vigneron Bruce Thomas, co-founder of Greystone Wines. This six-hour journey offers a rare insider look at Marlborough’s wine culture, combining expertise, indulgent flavors, and a deep sense of place.

Your adventure begins in Blenheim, the heart of the region’s wine country. Bruce personally hosts visits to two boutique wineries, offering intimate tastings that go beyond the typical cellar-door experience. Here, the interplay of Marlborough’s unique climate, comprised of cool ocean breezes and sunny days, reveals itself in wines that range from bright, zesty Sauvignon Blancs to the silky, complex layers of Pinot Noir. As Bruce shares stories from decades in the vineyard and cellar, guests gain an enriched appreciation for the winemaking craft and regional nuances.

Midday, you’ll settle into Fidelio, a modern, thoughtfully designed eatery renowned for its seasonal menus showcasing South Island flavors. The three-course lunch is a culinary highlight, expertly paired with selected wines from the area. Imagine savoring Marlborough green mussel chowder alongside Greystone and Zephyr Sauvignon Blancs, followed by a rich Cranky Goat cheese and mushroom risotto with floral Chardonnays. The meal closes with a decadent sea salt chocolate gâteau paired with local Pinots — a harmony of flavors that celebrate the partnership of food and wine in this fertile landscape.

To round out the day, a stop at Makana Confections invites guests to indulge in hand-crafted chocolates, a sweet local specialty. This final treat complements the robust and delicate tasting notes experienced earlier, perfectly balancing the day’s sensory journey.

What makes this tour stand out is Bruce Thomas himself — not just as a guide but as a passionate storyteller whose deep connection to Marlborough’s vineyards provides guests with unique insights unavailable on typical tours. With groups capped at ten, the experience remains intimate and personal, perfect for wine enthusiasts and novices alike.

Whether you’re drawn by Marlborough’s award-winning wines or eager to explore the South Island’s epicurean culture, this tour offers an enriching, relaxed way to engage with the region’s most celebrated natural resource. From vineyard to table to chocolate box, this is Marlborough wine country distilled into an unforgettable day.

About Jade Marlborough Tours

Jade Marlborough Tours is a Blenheim-based tour operator specializing in guided wine tours and shore excursions across Marlborough and nearby wine regions. The company offers a range of curated experiences, including Picton cruise ship shore excursions, half-day and full-day Marlborough wine tours, a Lyttelton shore excursion to Waipara Valley with lunch, and a Wines of the South Island itinerary with a paired lunch. Each tour visits multiple wineries—typically four to six stops—allowing guests to taste Marlborough's world-famous Sauvignon Blanc alongside other award-winning wines. Local guides provide commentary on vineyard practices, regional terroir, and winemaking stories, and itineraries include tastings, seasonal local produce, and specialty items such as handmade chocolates from Makana Confections and wine-paired meals at Fidelio. The Lyttelton shore excursion is noted for its association with Greystone co-founder Bruce Thomas, who leads tastings and shares firsthand insights. Jade Marlborough Tours emphasizes flexible, personalized service suitable for cruise passengers and land-based visitors, adapting the route to guest preference and schedule constraints. Vehicles and pick-up arrangements cater to cruise ship timelines for Picton departures and return transfers. Booking options accommodate both short shore excursions and extended full-day explorations of the Wairau Valley and Waipara region. Photos of vineyard scenery, winery interiors, and paired lunches illustrate the experience for prospective guests. Jade Marlborough Tours operates from Blenheim, Marlborough, and focuses exclusively on the region’s wine culture, local produce, and narrated, small-group touring that connects visitors directly with boutique winemakers and regional hospitality.

Booking assistance and tailored itineraries are available on request today.

Explore Marlborough's Wine Country: An Unforgettable South Island Wine Tour with Paired Lunch

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