Spend a private day driving through Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, visiting four-plus wineries with a guided tasting experience and a lunch stop. This full-day tour combines vineyard walks, cellar access, and local stories with seamless pickup from Blenheim or Renwick.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning opens with a narrow country road, vineyards pressing close as sunlight lifts from the Wither Hills and the guide shuts the vehicle door with a practiced click. Travellers are collected from Blenheim or Renwick and delivered into the rhythm of the Marlborough wine country: vineyard rows, gravel lanes, and tasting rooms with wide glass and wider views.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic mobility: able to board a vehicle and walk short distances on gravel and through cellars.
Wildlife
History
Marlborough’s modern wine industry grew rapidly after the 1970s with Sauvignon Blanc thriving on the Wairau Valley’s free-draining alluvial soils; many estates evolved from mixed farms to specialized vineyards.
Conservation
Producers in Marlborough increasingly adopt water-efficient irrigation, native shelter belts to support birds, and waste-reduction measures—respect cellar-door requests on packaging and recycling.
Reserve your spot on the Private Driving Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book tastings in advance
Confirm which wineries include tastings or tours and be prepared to pay tasting fees at some cellar doors.
Designated driver policy
This is a guided driving tour — the operator handles driving, but guests should avoid heavy drinking between stops and follow guide instructions.
Bring cash or card for lunch and purchases
Lunch is not included; many small producers accept card but some cellar doors prefer cash for small purchases.
Footwear for gravel and cellars
Wear comfortable shoes with some tread for short vineyard walks and cellar steps that can be cool and damp.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good tread helps on gravel roads and in cool cellar rooms.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open vineyard rows offer little shade during midday tastings.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings; guides can refill bottles.
Light jacket or layers
Cellars and evening returns can be cool even on a warm day.
spring